The National Weather Service in Wilmington has confirmed that an EF-1 tornado touched down at Delco on Saturday afternoon.
The NWS storm survey team noted that the tornado was on the ground for approximately 3 minutes, covered 1.3 miles of real estate, and had estimated wind speeds of 90-100 mph. Fortunately there were no injuries or fatalities.
The Public Information Statement released by the NWS states, “damage began near 356 Delco School Road, where several trees were snapped and power lines were downed. A short distance away at McPherson`s Acme General Store (1355 Old Stage Road), a metal awning was torn from the structure and destroyed, damaging a nearby 500-gallon propane tank and causing a fuel leak. The tornado continued east-northeast approximately 1.3 miles with only intermittent damage before intensifying near the 1225 block of Fertilizer Road. There, three structures sustained significant roof damage, including two single-family residences, and a large oak tree was uprooted. The tornado then rapidly dissipated with no further damage noted. All damage was consistent with EF1 intensity, with estimated wind speeds between 90 to 100 mph.”
–Meteorologist Christopher Cawley
