What appears likely to be Dover’s first tornado since 2020 caused severe damages to multiple areas and buildings. The National Weather Service is surveying the area to confirm if it was a tornado.
The National Weather Service along with Kent County officials are out surveying damage after Thursday evening’s severe storms.
The National Weather Service reported a tornado sourced through radar on Thursday evening hit Dover causing significant damage
It was first reported in the Harlty area shortly before 6 pm, but Kent County assistant director of public safety Brandon Olenik tells the News Journal he believes a second tornado touched down in Dover.
It was first believed that after touching down in Hartly, the tornado moved east to Dover, but that’s what officials will try and determine Friday.
Dover Police say the storm also caused power outages, but add there were no significant injuries.
A state of emergency declared on Thursday night by Mayor Robin Christiansen was lifted early Friday morning to allow normal activities and operations to resume in the city.
He still is requesting residents avoid areas where debris is still present, and City staff and emergency personnel space to clear affected areas.
Areas hit particularly hard include the Loockerman/Division St. corridor and Route 13, according to city officials, who say clean-up is focused on damaged motels on Route 13.
Councilman David Anderson says despite the severe damage, there is good news.
“There has not been reported serious injuries or deaths, which is an amazing thing considering the damage done to the Days Inn and Superlodge,” he said.
Anderson says the two hotels hit hardest -the Superlodge and Days Inn - are typically home to some of Dover’s most vulnerable populations.
"Which is very concerning. The Red Cross has stepped up with the state of emergency fund distribution and I’ve been told that the emergency cards have been given out." he said.
Emergency cards are prepaid money cards that can be used to find shelter at hotels that weren’t destroyed by the storm. Anderson says his understanding was the amount was in the realm of $800.
Randall Butler was one of those staying at the Superlodge before the tornado.
“Right now, I’m going to put all of my stuff in my car and take it to storage then figure out where to stay. Q: So you have nowhere to stay? Butler: None.” he told DPM.
Anderson adds the House of Hope shelter in Dover was also offering overnight shelter to aid those displaced by the storm.
City officials say clean up crews are mostly focused on the motel locations and the Kraft/Heinz factory in Dover, and that weight limits have been temporarily lifted for trash pickup to accommodate those clearing their own debris.
A relief center was opened overnight that assisted nearly two dozen people, but it closed Friday morning. The Red Cross and others continue to assist those affected by bringing essentials to areas worst hit.
