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Dover, Delaware tornado damage videos: EF-1 twister leaves trail of destruction; 'I felt my life was over'
A powerful tornado tore through Dover, Delaware, on Thursday evening, causing major damage across the city.
A powerful EF-1 tornado ripped through Dover, Delaware, on Thursday evening, leaving a trail of damage across the city. The storm brought winds of up to 110 mph, damaged buildings, knocked down trees and power lines.
Tornado confirmed in Dover
The National Weather Service confirmed the tornado touched down in Dover, with a trained spotter reporting it during Thursday's storms.
The NWS later confirmed the tornado was rated an EF-1, with peak wind speeds between 100 and 110 mph. It traveled 3.2 miles and reached a maximum width of 100 yards. No fatalities or injuries were reported.
The tornado started at 6:09pm EDT, about 2 miles southwest of Dover in Kent County, and ended at 6:14pm EDT, about 1 mile northeast of Dover.
According to KOA, the tornado caused significant damage, including downed trees, power lines, and damaged buildings.
FOX Weather reported that radar showed a large amount of debris over Dover, a city with more than 40,000 residents.
Also Read: Dangerous tornado tears through Dover, Delaware; damage reported
Major damage at a factory warehouse
After passing through more trees, the tornado hit a factory warehouse and caused some of the worst damage, according to the NWS. Two parts of the concrete walls collapsed, several trailers were thrown around, and part of the metal roof was torn off. The damage showed that the tornado was a strong EF-1.
Two hotels, the Days Inn and the Superlodge, suffered roof damage, but all occupants were evacuated without injury. The storm also affected the Kraft Foods facility and a Little League field, where fences and poles were knocked down, according to WPVI, cited by KOA.
Here are few visuals of the aftermath:
Residents describe the terrifying moment
Residents described the frightening experience as the tornado passed through. Julian O'Neill told KOA, "The sound was like a train, and the rain and wind were so intense you couldn't see anything."
Reagan Coder added, "I heard the train sound and knew it was a tornado." source?
One resident staying at a damaged hotel told Action News that, "It was scary. I've never experienced anything like this," said one woman, who said she is nonmobile. “When it hit over the roof - like, the tornado - I was like, oh my God! I'm paralyzed. I'm stuck - I can't get out. What am I gonna do. I'm scared!”
"I felt my life was over," she added.
Despite the widespread damage, no injuries were reported.
