On Monday the National Weather Service (NWS) Mount Holly, located in New Jersey, conducted a damage survey following a tornado event in Middletown, Delaware on Sunday.
The survey aimed to assess the extent of the damage caused by the tornado and provide valuable information about its strength and path.
The tornado, rated EF-1 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, had an estimated peak wind speed of 100 mph. It traveled a path of approximately 1.19 miles in length and had a maximum width of 200 yards officials said.
The tornado originated in a field just west of North Bayberry Parkway, about 4 miles northeast of Middletown. Prior to the tornado’s formation, the area experienced notable rear flank downdraft straight-line wind damage in the Bayberry South neighborhood. Several homes along South Bayberry Parkway, Puccini Lane, Chopin Drive, and Ravel Lane sustained minor cosmetic damage, including soffit and gutter damage, and some shingles and siding were blown off. One home on Chopin Drive experienced a small section of roof damage.
As the tornado continued northeast, it crossed Route 896, causing some minor damage to small signs and the Bayberry North neighborhood sign. A single-family house and detached garage near the intersection of North Bayberry Parkway and Route 896 also sustained cosmetic damage, along with several trees in the vicinity.
The tornadic circulation intensified northwest of the aforementioned property, resulting in damage to small to medium-sized softwood trees along North Bayberry Parkway. The tornado then proceeded northeast, causing minor damage to a park playground and pavilion. It crossed a field and a pond before impacting a home along Plato Place, where it caused cosmetic damage and blew down a fence.
Moving into a tree line, the tornado uprooted several trees before entering the residential area along Milford Drive. At this point, the tornado reached its maximum width of approximately 200 yards. Additional trees were uprooted or snapped, and some homes suffered minor cosmetic damage along the western loop of Milford Drive.
The tornado continued northeast, strengthening further as it approached the western loop of Milford Drive. A line of cedar trees had most of its trees uprooted, and homes in the area experienced varying degrees of damage. One home’s detached garage had a blown-in garage door and a pushed-out exterior wall, while another home had its back deck porch roof completely destroyed. Outdoor furniture was blown away, and a hot tub was flipped over. Another detached garage sustained minor cosmetic damage.
Proceeding along Ethel Court, primarily tree damage occurred, including another row of cedar trees that were blown down. The tornado then followed Bullen Drive, slightly turning left as the circulation began to occlude. Numerous small trees sustained varying degrees of damage, particularly on the eastern side near the intersections of South Red Fox Circle and North Red Fox Circle. Homes along Bullen Drive were impacted, with significant damage occurring to one house where the attached garage roof was blown off into the front yard. Chimneys, windows, and siding were also damaged in other residences.
The tornado dissipated as it reached Hyatts Corner Road, north-northeast of Angelo Court. In addition to the tornado damage, the NWS survey team identified straight-line wind damage in the surrounding areas. A semi-truck was blown over on Route 1 southbound, and some corn was blown down in a field east of US Route 13. This damage was determined to be the result of straight-line winds and not related to the tornadic circulation.
Further northeast of the tornado’s dissipation point, sporadic tree damage and minor cosmetic damage to homes were found in residential areas along Port Penn Road, including Sugar Pine Drive and Dutch Neck Road. Additional blown-down corn was also observed in fields along Dutch Neck Road. These areas experienced straight-line wind damage.
The NWS Mount Holly extends its gratitude to the New Castle County Emergency Management and Mr. Lou Ruh for their valuable assistance during the survey.
Officials said that the information provided in this statement is preliminary and subject to change pending final review of the event and publication in the official NWS reports.
No fatalities were reported as a result of this incident.