Tropical Storm Isaias brings historic tornado outbreak to Delmarva
DELMARVA – Tropical Storm Isaias brought some crazy weather to Delmarva on Tuesday, including a total of nine confirmed tornadoes.
In Dover, weather officials say an EF-2 tornado touched down, starting in the area of Sorghum Mill Road in Kent County at around 8:50 a.m., ending in Middletown at around 9:30 a.m. According to the National Weather Service this is the longest tracked tornado in Delaware state history since records started in 1950, traveling 35.5 miles in the state. The tornado reportedly reached an estimated maximum wind speed of 105 mph and caused significant damage to trees, homes, warehouses, and more.
Also in Delaware, an EF-1 tornado tore through Sandtown in Kent County, beginning at around 8:25 a.m. Officials say the tornado had a maximum wind speed of 100 mph and traveled for 2.6 miles before lifting near the Maryland/Delaware state line at around 8:28 a.m. We’re told several trees were snapped and uprooted, several homes were damaged, trailers were flipped over, and two front-end loaders were damaged.
The National Weather Service has also confirmed that an EF-1 tornado touched down in the Milford area at around 8:25 a.m. Officials say the tornado started in the area of Evergreen and Meadow Brook Lanes and traveled roughly 2.7 miles before lifting about five minutes later. Maximum wind speeds hit 100 mph and the tornado caused extensive tree damage in its path.
An EF-2 tornado ripped through Wicomico County, with peak winds estimated at 120 to 125 mph. According to the NWS, the tornado touched down in the area of Athol Road, just south of Mardela Springs, at around 6 a.m. Reports say the tornado traveled 1.3 miles before lifting just north of Route 50, causing down trees, as well as destroying a shed and shifting a house off of its foundation.
Also in Wicomico County, an EF-0 tornado touched down in Quantico at around 7:22 a.m. The EF-0 tornado brought 75 mph winds and traveled a path of 2.74 miles, starting over the Wicomico River and traveling across the County Club South neighborhood and Green Hill Country club. We’re told numerous homes were damaged and trees uprooted.
Another EF-2 tornado was confirmed in Stockton, beginning at around 7:13 a.m. We’re told the tornado traveled approximately 3.8 miles before dissipating shortly after passing through the Girdletree area. Several homes were damaged, including blown out windows and some roof loss. A camper was also overturned and tossed, in addition to a number of outbuildings. In Girdletree, several trees were snapped and uprooted.
A second tornado was confirmed in Worcester County, this time beginning just south of Berlin on Harrison Road at around 7:41 a.m. NWS officials say the EF-0 tornado traveled approximately 8 miles and dissipated shortly after crossing Forks Road in Showell. Trees were snapped and uprooted along Main and Broad Streets, as well as along Carey Road, Pitts Road, and Forks Road. Maximum winds reached 70 mph.
NWS officials say a third tornado touched down just northwest of the Assateague Island Visitor’s Center in Berlin at around 7:55 a.m., traveling 9 miles across Route 50, approaching Ocean Pines, and lifting as it crossed the River Run Golf Course. The EF-0 tornado reached max winds of 70 mph and caused broken tree limbs as well as a few uprooted and snapped trees.
Further north, an EF-0 tornado reportedly touched down in Queenstown at around 8:18 a.m., traveling just over half a mile before lifting a minute later. NWS officials say the tornado touched down on Stagwell Road, causing sporadic tree and cornfield damage. It is believed the tornado lifted before reaching the Wye River.
The National Weather Service says this is the first time on record that both Wicomico County and Worcester County have had an EF-2 tornado touch down.
Not all storm surveys have been completed. Check back for updates.
