Severe Tornado Strikes Dover, Delaware Triggers State of Emergency

DOVER, Del. –  A dangerous tornado strikes Dover on Thursday evening, August 20, 2026, causing widespread damage and power outages across Delaware's capital. Officials quickly declared a state of emergency as crews responded to the storm’s aftermath. Here’s what we reported so far.

State of Emergency declared as severe tornado strikes Dover

National Weather Service Issues Rare PDS Tornado Warning 

At 6:18 p.m EDT, the National Weather Service issued a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) Tornado Warning for Dover, radar showed a large and extremely dangerous tornado over Dover Speedway. 

The tornado was moving northeast at 30 mph, prompting residents in and around Dover to seek shelter immediately.

A PDS Tornado Warning is reserved for situations involving a considerable threat to life and property from a strong, ongoing tornado. 

The enhanced warning language signals that people in the storm’s path should take immediate action rather than wait for more information.

The warning covered Dover and nearby communities as the storm moved through Kent County. 

The National Weather Service’s Mount Holly office confirmed the tornado as severe weather spread across the region Thursday evening.

The NWS issued a particularly dangerous situation tornado warning for Dover

Source: Fox Weather

Tornado Damage Reported Across Dover 

The warning was followed by reports of widespread damage across Dover, with downed trees, debris and damaged infrastructure reported in several parts of the city.

Power outages and blocked roads were also reported as crews began responding to the storm’s aftermath. Structural damage was reported along Route 13, including areas near the Division Street and Lockerman Street corridor.

Parts of North DuPont Highway were also affected. Debris and damaged traffic signals created additional hazards for drivers, while emergency crews worked to clear roads and assess the damage.

Residents should avoid damaged areas and stay away from downed power lines and debris while crews continue their work.

Check the latest weather conditions in Dover, Delaware!

Widespread damage and power outages reported as tornado touched down in Dover

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Dover Declares State of Emergency After Tornado 

Dover officials declared a state of emergency at 6:20 p.m. Thursday, shortly after the tornado moved through the city. 

The declaration came as officials responded to widespread disruption and worked to coordinate emergency operations across affected areas.

The Dover Police Department urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel while crews responded to the damage. 

Crew carries out response efforts along Route 13 in Dover

Source: Mike Schmidt

Officials warned that extra vehicles on the roads could slow emergency crews and make response efforts more difficult.

“If you are out sightseeing, checking out the damage, or doing anything that is not absolutely necessary — YOU ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM,” the Dover Police Department wrote on Facebook.

Police said unnecessary traffic can make it harder for emergency crews to reach people who need help. 

Residents were encouraged to stay clear of affected areas and allow first responders to work.

Read more: Tornado safety tips

Which Areas Were Hit by the Tornado? 

As emergency crews continued working in Dover, the tornado warning also covered several nearby communities in Kent County.

The National Weather Service listed multiple locations in and around Dover within the warning area, including:

• Dover

• Camden

• Cheswold

• Dover Speedway

• Wyoming

• Little Creek

• Leipsic

• Kent Acres

• Highland Acres

Residents in affected communities were urged to follow local emergency alerts and stay away from areas impacted by the storm while crews continued their response.

Follow local emergency alerts and stay away from areas impacted

Check the weather forecast for Kent County and nearby areas to stay safe!

References

1. Fox Weather

2. Hindustan Times

3. NBC10 Philadelphia