Tornado Watch New Castle County: Tornado Confirmed After Severe Storms

A tornado watch New Castle County residents faced on Thursday, November 12, turned into a confirmed tornado as severe storms swept across Delaware. The storms brought strong winds, heavy rain, and property damage to several areas. Here’s what happened and the latest weather outlook for the region.

Tornado Watch New Castle County

Tornado Watch New Castle County: What to Know

• The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado touched down in New Castle County, Delaware, on November 12, 2026.

• Tornado Watch 705 was issued at 12:50 p.m. EST and remained active until 3.27 p.m.

• A Tornado Warning was issued for northeastern New Castle County before being canceled at 1:31 p.m.

• Storm damage was reported near Christiana and Newark, including damage to a medical helicopter and parked vehicles.

• Cooler temperatures, rain, and gusty winds were expected across the region on November 13.

The NWS issued a Tornado Watch 705 at 12:50 p.m. EST, covering New Castle County alongside parts of southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey. 

At 1:13 p.m., a Tornado Warning followed for northeastern New Castle County, covering Wilmington, Elsmere, Newport, and portions of I-95, after radar detected strong rotation near Stanton and Newark.

Although the warning was canceled early at 1:31 p.m. as rotation weakened, the NWS later confirmed via radar analysis, video footage, and spotter reports that a tornado had briefly touched down around 1:15 p.m. near Christiana Hospital, southeast of Eastburn Heights.

According to NOAA records, this marks only the second confirmed November tornado in Delaware since 1950.

An NWS survey team is scheduled to inspect the area on Friday, November 13, to determine the tornado's exact path, width, and Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale rating. 

The broader Tornado Watch was officially lifted for New Castle County at 3:27 p.m., though it remained active until 7:00 p.m. for parts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Read more: Tornado Watch vs Tornado Warning.

Several locations around Newark reported storm-related damage. 

ChristianaCare's Newark campus sustained minor property damage, while a medical helicopter also suffered damage to its rotor. 

The healthcare provider said its operations continued without interruption.

At the Sonesta ES Suites Wilmington/Newark on Chapman Avenue, a large hotel sign fell onto two parked vehicles during the storm. 

Fallen trees, damaged fences, and downed wires were also reported in the surrounding area. No confirmed injury reports were included in the initial coverage of these incidents.

A medical helicopter suffered damage due to the storm

The severe weather extended beyond Delaware, affecting parts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The storm system brought heavy rain, strong wind gusts, and hail to the Philadelphia region. 

In Pennsylvania, some suburban communities reported hail, while another possible tornado was under investigation in Burlington County, New Jersey.

For New Castle County, the weather pattern is expected to turn cooler on Friday, November 13. The NWS forecast calls for periods of rain, mainly during the morning, with a high near 47°F (8°C). 

Northwest winds could reach around 15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph. Rain chances are expected to decrease later in the day, while Friday night temperatures could fall into the mid-30s°F.

Wilmington 3-day weather forecast

Newark 10-day weather forecast

Although Tornado Watch 705 expired at 3.27 p.m. Thursday, residents should continue monitoring official weather alerts. 

A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornado development, while a Tornado Warning means a tornado has been spotted or indicated by radar. 

If another warning is issued, residents should immediately move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows. 

Stay informed through NWS updates and local emergency notifications.

References

1. NBC Philadelphia

2. Delaware online

3. CBS News

4. Philly Burbs

5. Town Square LIVE News