“Fly Away or the House Falls”: Kent Families’ Harrowing Storm Escape
Powerful Storms Hit Western Kent County: Communities Begin Cleanup
What Happened?
On Thursday night, strong storms tore through western Kent County, Delaware. The hardest-hit areas were Hartly and Marydel. The storms:
- Downed many large trees
- Ripped roofs off homes
- Left families scared but alive
- Caused damage in at least four specific locations
Important Point: No injuries were reported, according to Kent County officials.
A Family’s Scary Night in Hartly
Shantelle Quinones’ Story
Shantelle Quinones lives in a mobile home on Halltown Road with her daughter, fiancé, and two dogs. Here’s what happened:
- The warning came fast – A tornado alert told her to seek shelter in a basement
- No basement available – Mobile homes don’t have basements
- Quick thinking – She grabbed her daughter and dogs and hid in a bedroom closet
- Terrifying moments – They heard heavy rain, wind, then a loud SLAM as the house shook
- Fear for their lives – She tried calling family to say goodbye
- Damage discovered – Part of their roof landed in the front yard
- Water everywhere – Rain poured through walls onto floors
- Rescue arrived – Hartly Volunteer Fire Company knocked and told them to evacuate
Shantelle’s words: "It was devastating… but it could have been so much worse. We could have lost our lives. I’m so glad we are alive."
Marydel: Trees Down Everywhere
James Rigby’s Experience
James Rigby has lived in Marydel his entire life. He said:
- Multiple huge trees fell on his property
- "I’ve never seen anything like this"
- The storm "partied the skies and took stuff out" in the blink of an eye
- It took six neighbors working together just to remove one tree
- Many more trees still down
What matters most: "You can’t replace a person… we can fix all this, but I can’t replace no one’s life."
Official Response & Assessment
Kent County Public Safety Report
Chief John Tinger confirmed four damage areas in the Hartly-Marydel region:
| Location | Status |
|---|---|
| Grygo Road | Damaged |
| Halltown Road | Damaged |
| Near Parker’s Chapel (Location 1) | Damaged |
| Near Parker’s Chapel (Location 2) | Damaged |
Next Steps Happening Now
- Kent County Public Safety on site Friday
- National Weather Service assessing damage
- Speaking with residents to gather information
- Cleanup efforts beginning (neighbors helping neighbors)
Why Mobile Homes Are Extra Vulnerable
Important Safety Note: Mobile homes don’t have basements or strong foundations. During tornadoes or severe winds:
- They can shake violently
- Roofs can tear off easily
- Best action: Have a plan before storms hit – know the nearest sturdy shelter
Summary
- Thursday night storms hit western Kent County hard
- Hartly & Marydel saw the worst damage
- Mobile home roof torn off – family survived by sheltering in closet
- Many trees down in Marydel – neighbors helping neighbors
- Four official damage zones identified
- Zero injuries reported – the most important news
- Cleanup has begun with community teamwork
Frequently Asked Questions
Was this a tornado?
The National Weather Service is still assessing. Tornado warnings were issued, but official confirmation takes time as experts examine damage patterns.
Why didn’t the family go to a basement?
Mobile homes don’t have basements. The tornado warning said "seek shelter in a basement," but that wasn’t an option. A small interior closet was their best available choice.
How can I help neighbors after a storm?
- Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors
- Help clear small debris (leave big trees to pros)
- Share food, water, or phone chargers
- Report downed power lines – stay away from them!
What should I do if a tornado warning hits and I’m in a mobile home?
- Have a plan ready – know the nearest sturdy building
- Leave early if possible – don’t wait for the storm
- If no time to leave – interior closet/hallway, cover head, wear shoes
- Keep emergency kit nearby (flashlight, water, whistle)
When will power be restored?
The article doesn’t mention power outages specifically, but after storms like this, restoration can take hours to days. Check with your local utility company for estimates.
Stay Safe, Stay Prepared
Storms like this remind us that preparation saves lives. Talk with your family today about:
- Where to shelter
- Emergency contacts
- Go-bag essentials
- Helping neighbors
Community resilience shines brightest after the storm passes.