08/21/2026
Last night was terrifying as the tornado ripped through Dover. Seeing the storm damage across our town is heartbreaking—the raw power of Mother Nature never ceases to amaze me.
Waking up to the sun and seeing these skies stopped me in my tracks. I’m so deeply thankful for the rainbows after last night's damaging tornado; it’s a beautiful reminder that calm always follows the chaos. 🌈✨
Sending love, strength, and prayers to all of our neighbors, friends, and families dealing with downed trees, damage, and cleanup today. Stay safe, Dover. ❤️
UPDATE:
The National Weather Service has confirmed six tornadoes across portions of Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey from severe thunderstorms that moved through the region Thursday, August 20.
The latest count was released Sunday after another tornado was confirmed near Hazlettville in Kent County, Delaware. The six tornadoes confirmed within the National Weather Service Mount Holly forecast area include three in Delaware and one each in Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
An EF-1 tornado near Marydel developed shortly before 6 p.m., producing estimated winds of 90 to 100 mph along a 1.33-mile path. The tornado uprooted large trees, damaged a home and destroyed an old barn and shed.
Minutes later, an EF-0 tornado touched down just east of Hazlettville. The tornado had estimated winds of 70 to 80 mph and traveled about six-tenths of a mile, damaging a barn, chicken houses and nearby solar panels.
At 6:09 p.m., an EF-1 tornado touched down southwest of Dover and traveled 3.2 miles through the city. Winds were estimated at 100 to 110 mph. Damage was reported at the Dover Little League fields at Schutte Park, the VanSant Generating Station, a warehouse and businesses along the tornado's path. The tornado also tore away approximately half of a motel roof near North Dupont Highway. No injuries or deaths were reported.
Earlier Thursday, an EF-1 tornado touched down west of Barclay in Queen Anne's County, Maryland. The tornado had estimated winds of 95 to 105 mph and traveled about half a mile, snapping and uprooting trees before crossing a field and another residential property.
An EF-0 tornado was also confirmed in East Caln Township in Chester County, Pennsylvania. That tornado had estimated winds of 60 to 70 mph and traveled approximately 0.21 miles, breaking tree branches through the Quarry Crossings commercial development.
The sixth tornado was confirmed near Estell Manor in Atlantic County, New Jersey. Video showed the tornado lasting approximately 30 seconds or less over an inaccessible wooded or marshy area. No damage was definitively linked to the tornado, preventing the National Weather Service from assigning it an EF rating. It remains classified as EF-Unknown.
The six-tornado count applies to the National Weather Service Mount Holly forecast area. Additional tornadoes associated with the August 20 severe weather were confirmed outside the Mount Holly forecast area.
8.19.26 6:15pm
Storm photos: first state update, delaware state news, fox weather
