A state of emergency remains in effect for the City of Dover following a confirmed tornado that struck the area Thursday night. Local officials reported significant structural damage after the storm system moved through the city. Dashcam footage captured the intensity of the event, showing debris mid-air near the North DuPont Highway.
Residents described the sound as similar to a train, forcing many to seek immediate shelter. Multiple commercial properties suffered major damage, including the loss of roof sections at the Days Inn and the Superlodge. The storm also impacted local infrastructure, downing power lines and blocking roadways throughout the city. Police are working to secure the area as utility crews address hazardous conditions involving live wires and debris.
Damage reports extend beyond the highway to include the Kraft Foods facility and a local Little League field. The National Weather Service tracked the rain-wrapped tornado around 6:18 p.m. with teams scheduled to assess the path and intensity of the storm throughout the day.
Local authorities request that residents remain at home to allow emergency responders clear access to affected sites. Officials also advised the public against calling 911 for power outages to keep lines open for emergencies. The Dover Police Department noted that despite the scale of the destruction, no serious injuries were reported.