NWS Confirms Tornado in New Castle County

The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado in New Castle County as a line of severe thunderstorms moved through the Philadelphia region on November 12. The agency plans to send a survey team on November 13 to examine the damage and determine the tornado’s path and width.

In Newark, the sign outside the Sonesta ES Suites Wilmington/Newark fell onto two cars. Storm damage in the area also included downed trees, fences and wires. A hotel guest, Emily Schneider, said she had been inside a nearby restaurant when the storm passed and did not realize a tornado had occurred until she returned.

The storms brought heavy rain and hail, and triggered tornado warnings in New Castle County and parts of New Jersey. The National Weather Service was also investigating a possible tornado in Burlington County, New Jersey, but had not confirmed one.

A tornado watch remained in effect until 7 p.m. for parts of Delaware, southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey. A flash flood warning covered northeastern New Castle County and nearby areas, where radar indicated 1 to 2 inches of rain had fallen, with more possible. Severe thunderstorm warnings also cited radar-indicated gusts up to 60 mph and hail.

The National Weather Service had not released the tornado’s rating or exact location and time. The reports did not establish whether anyone was injured. Residents were urged to shelter indoors during storms and avoid driving through flooded roads.