Crews were on the streets of Dover early Friday morning, clearing debris and repairing infrastructure after a tornado struck the city Thursday evening. The National Weather Service will remain on site to survey the damage and determine the storm’s intensity.
State of emergency declared
Mayor and city officials issued a formal State of Emergency following the twister’s impact on the capital. The declaration allows for expedited assistance and resources to address the widespread damage.
Police Lieutenant Mark Hoffman, spokesperson for the Dover Police Department, described the scene as “a miracle” that no one was seriously injured despite the severity of the storm. He warned that downed power lines, damaged poles and a roof structure hanging over live wires create hazardous conditions for utility crews.
Damage to local landmarks
Two hotels on North Dupont Highway – the Days Inn and the Superlodge – sustained significant damage as the tornado moved through the corridor. Video from a dash‑cam showed debris flying across the highway, with trees snapping and large objects striking the road.
The Kraft Foods processing plant reported damage to its exterior, and a Little League field on Electric Avenue saw a fence topple, poles snap and a tree knock down the scoreboard.
Residents recount the experience
Local residents described the tornado as a frightening, whistling sound “like a train,” with rain and wind so intense that visibility was reduced to a few feet. “I never experienced anything like it,” said Julian O’Neill, who was driving on Dupont Highway when the storm hit.
Another Dover resident, Reagan Coder, said the distinctive sound alerted him to the danger. “I heard the train sound and I just knew it was a tornado. I had to get into my bathroom right away,” he recalled.
Public safety advisories
Police have asked residents to remain at home and avoid non‑essential travel while emergency crews work safely. Authorities also requested that the public refrain from calling 911 for power outage reports, directing those concerns to the utility’s non‑emergency line.
The storm system triggered two separate tornado warnings for Kent County on Thursday night. A trained spotter reported a rain‑wrapped tornado on the ground at approximately 6:18 p.m., and the National Weather Service will continue to monitor the area for any further threats.
Looking ahead
City officials expect a multi‑day cleanup effort, with utility crews repairing power lines and municipal workers clearing fallen trees and debris. The community’s response highlights the resilience of Dover’s residents and the coordinated effort of local emergency services.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
