WILMINGTON, DE — A tornado warning was issued Thursday afternoon for New Castle County after the National Weather Service said a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was tracking near Wilmington. The warning was in effect from 1:25 p.m. to 1:45 p.m., and officials also warned that hail could reach 1 inch in diameter.
The weather service urged people to take cover immediately. Its guidance called for a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows and flying debris.
Radar showed rotation over Stanton moving northeast at 25 mph
At 1:25 p.m. EST, meteorologists said the storm was located over Stanton, or near Wilmington, and was moving northeast at 25 mph. The weather service said the system was capable of producing a tornado, which triggered the warning for the county.
The hazard list included tornado conditions and quarter-size hail. The warning was based on radar-indicated rotation, which means forecasters saw signs that a tornado could form or already be developing within the storm.
Wilmington, Elsmere and nearby towns were listed in the impact zone
The National Weather Service said several communities could be affected, including Wilmington, Elsmere, Newport, Stanton, Wilmington Manor, Bellefonte and Edgemoor. The alert also specifically covered Interstate 95 in Delaware between mile markers 9 and 19.
That kind of targeted warning is meant to get people into shelter quickly before the storm reaches them. Officials said flying debris would be dangerous to anyone caught outside or without protection.
Officials warned of roof, window and vehicle damage
The weather service said mobile homes could be damaged or destroyed if the storm produced a tornado. It also warned that roofs, windows and vehicles could be damaged, and that tree damage was likely in the affected area.
Those impacts are consistent with a fast-moving severe thunderstorm capable of producing tornadic winds. The warning language made clear that the main danger was not only wind, but also debris thrown into the air by the storm.
What residents should do immediately during a tornado warning
Forecasters advised people to move to the lowest possible level of a sturdy building, ideally a basement. If a basement is not available, the next best option is an interior room on the lowest floor with as many walls between the person and the outside as possible.
The National Weather Service also said to stay away from windows. People outdoors, in mobile homes or in vehicles were told to get to the nearest substantial shelter and protect themselves from flying debris.
Drivers on highways were told not to try outrun the storm
For anyone driving during a tornado warning, the weather service said not to try to outrun a tornado, especially on highways. Instead, drivers should get off the road safely and go inside a sturdy building if one is available.
If no shelter can be reached, officials said the last resort is to lie flat in the nearest depression, ditch or culvert and cover the head with both arms. The warning was part of the National Weather Service’s broader effort to push alerts quickly through Delaware as storms develop.