WATCH: Confirmed Tornado Rips Through Kent County Thursday
Tornado Hits Dover, Delaware: What Happened and What You Need to Know
Imagine a giant spinning vacuum cleaner dropping from the sky—that’s basically a tornado. On Thursday evening, one touched down in Dover, Delaware’s capital city, causing quite a mess but thankfully no injuries.
What Happened?
On Thursday evening, August 20, 2026, a strong line of storms rolled through Delaware. Here’s the timeline in simple terms:
- Around 5:55 PM – A trained weather spotter (someone specially trained to identify severe weather) reported seeing a tornado near Hartly, a small town west of Dover.
- Around 6:12 PM – The National Weather Service (NWS) got another report: a potentially strong tornado over downtown Dover.
- The result – The City of Dover declared a State of Emergency because multiple streets and buildings were damaged.
IMPORTANT CALLOUT: NO INJURIES REPORTED!
Despite significant damage to buildings, everyone was safely evacuated from the affected hotels, and there are zero reported injuries so far.
Buildings Damaged
Two hotels along Route 13 took the biggest hits:
| Hotel | Damage Status | People |
|---|---|---|
| Superlodge | Substantial damage (dashcam video shows it "coming apart") | All occupants evacuated safely |
| Days Inn | Roof heavily damaged (photo shows missing sections) | All occupants evacuated safely |
Other damage reports:
- Dover Little League fields near a power substation – families asked to stay away
- Downed power lines on:
- McKee Road (Dover)
- Parkers Chapel Road (Marydel)
- Westville Road (near Marydel)
- Downed tree at South Governors Avenue and Water Street
- Multiple trees and wires down throughout Dover
- Fire department activity on Firehouse Lane
Power & Communications
| Service | Status |
|---|---|
| City phone lines | Back online after 4-hour outage |
| Electricity | Two city-owned substations knocked offline; largest remaining outage in Town Point area |
| Traffic cameras | Captured the storm (DelDOT camera showed tornado west of Dover) |
Good News: Dover Motor Speedway Safe
The Dover Motor Speedway (about 1 mile north of the damaged Days Inn) reports:
- Zero damage to track property
- Will conduct thorough survey in coming days
- "Hopeful everyone in our community is safe" – track spokesman
Rain Totals
The storm wasn’t just wind—it brought heavy rain:
- 1 to 3 inches across Delaware
- Highest amounts near Dover and Smyrna
What Happens Next?
The National Weather Service has the final say on whether these were officially tornadoes. Here’s their process:
- Site surveys – NWS teams will visit damaged areas over the next two days
- Evidence review – They’ll look at:
- Damage patterns (straight-line wind vs. twisting tornado damage)
- Radar data
- Spotter reports & videos
- Official rating – If confirmed, they’ll assign an EF-scale rating (EF0 to EF5) based on damage severity
IMPORTANT CALLOUT: STAY HOME IF YOU’RE IN DOVER
City officials are asking everyone in Dover to stay home due to the extent of damage, downed wires, and debris. It’s the safest thing to do right now.
What Should You Do? (Step-by-Step)
If you live in or near Dover:
- Stay indoors – Avoid roads with downed trees/wires
- Don’t touch downed power lines – Assume they’re live and dangerous
- Check on neighbors – Especially elderly or vulnerable folks (by phone/text if possible)
- Monitor official sources – City of Dover, NWS, WDEL for updates
- Wait for "all clear" – Don’t venture out until officials say it’s safe
- Document damage – Take photos for insurance only when safe to do so
- Report hazards – Call 911 for immediate dangers (sparking wires, gas leaks)
Summary
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| What | Tornado(s) touched down in Dover area |
| When | Thursday evening, August 20, 2026 (~5:55–6:12 PM) |
| Where | Dover, DE (downtown, Route 13) and near Hartly |
| Damage | 2 hotels heavily damaged, widespread trees/wires down, power outages |
| Injuries | NONE REPORTED – successful evacuations |
| Current Status | State of Emergency, stay-home order, NWS surveys coming |
| Rain | 1–3 inches across Delaware |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do they know it was a tornado and not just strong wind?
A: Great question! The NWS looks for specific clues: damage that shows a twisting pattern (like trees falling in different directions), debris scattered in a circular path, and radar signatures showing rotation. Trained spotters also visually confirm the funnel cloud touching the ground. They’ll do on-site surveys to be 100% sure.
Q: What’s an "EF rating" and why does it matter?
A: The Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale rates tornadoes from EF0 (weakest, 65–85 mph winds) to EF5 (strongest, over 200 mph) based on damage to buildings and trees. It helps scientists track patterns and helps communities prepare better. The NWS will assign this after their survey.
Q: Is it safe to drive around Dover to see the damage?
A: NO. Officials explicitly ask everyone to stay home. Roads have downed power lines (which can kill you), unstable trees, and debris. Emergency crews need clear roads. Satisfy your curiosity through official photos/videos instead.
Q: My power is out—what should I do?
A:
- Report it to your utility company (don’t assume they know)
- Use flashlights, not candles (fire risk)
- Keep fridge/freezer closed to preserve food
- Charge phones in car if needed (but don’t run car in closed garage!)
- Check on neighbors who might need help
Q: Will this happen again soon?
A: Tornadoes in Delaware are rare but not impossible. The NWS will analyze this storm to improve future warnings. Best prep: have a weather alert app, know your safe spot (basement/interior room), and take warnings seriously.
This is a developing story. Information will be updated as NWS completes surveys and city officials provide new guidance. Stay safe, Dover!