Super Lodge Motel Condemned Following Dover Tornado

Image Courtesy of Dover Police Department

DOVER, Del. – The Super Lodge Motel has been condemned by the City of Dover’s Fire Marshal’s Office following significant damage caused by Thursday evening’s tornado.

The Dover Fire Department says the tornado touched down on the westside of Dover before traveling through the downtown area. In particular, crews say Kraft Foods and the Super Lodge Motel sustained significant structural damage during the storm. Multiple emergency response agencies worked together to evacuate and assess the affected buildings, relocate displaced occupants, and establish and maintain secure areas around the damaged properties to prevent further injuries.

The Super Lodge being condemned displaces occupants from 13 units. At the Days Inn, three occupants were also displaced after their units were precautionarily condemned for minor damage.

DFD says three individuals were medically evaluated at the scene, with two being transported for medical emergencies unrelated to the tornado incident. This was just one of 32 calls responded to over five hours. The department reportedly staffed four engines, two ladder trucks, and three command vehicles, with 38 volunteer firefighters participating in the emergency response.

City officials are continuing to assess the extent of damage throughout Dover and coordinate property owners and varying agencies as recovery efforts continue. Residents are urged to remain cautious around damaged structures, downed trees, power lines, and other storm-related hazards and to avoid entering areas that have been secured by emergency personnel.