State of emergency declared in Dover due to damage following tornado warning

Updated 31 minutes ago
DOVER, Del. (WPVI) -- A state of emergency has been declared for the City of Dover after severe storms reportedly caused significant damage Thursday night and prompted tornado warnings in Kent County.

Police said the city is dealing with numerous downed trees, flooded roadways and other storm-related damage.

Emergency crews were deployed to clear blocked roads and respond to hazardous conditions throughout the city.

Police say the hardest-hit area appears to be the Division Street/Lockerman Street corridor, as well as parts of N. Dupont Highway.



"If you are already home, please stay there and allow emergency crews to work safely. Do not travel unless absolutely necessary. Please do not call 911 for anything but REAL emergencies," said police in a statement.



The storm system triggered two separate tornado warnings for Kent County on Thursday night.

According to the National Weather Service, a trained spotter reported a rain-wrapped tornado on the ground and flying debris around 6:18 p.m. Teams are expected to survey the damage Friday to determine the intensity, path, and extent of damage.

Authorities have not said whether a tornado touched down.

No injuries were immediately reported.
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