Delaware officials declared a state of emergency in Dover Thursday evening after what appears to have been a tornado tore through parts of the city, leaving downed trees, flooding and widespread damage in its wake.
The alert also advised anyone outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle to move to the nearest substantial shelter and protect themselves from flying debris.
Police urged drivers who encounter a blacked-out traffic signal to treat the intersection as a four-way stop, slow down, watch for pedestrians and emergency responders, and never assume another driver will yield.
Officers also asked residents to avoid sightseeing or unnecessary trips, saying every extra vehicle on the road makes it harder for emergency crews to reach people who need help. The department reiterated that 911 should be reserved for true emergencies requiring immediate police, fire, or medical assistance, not power outages or other non-urgent issues.
By late Wednesday, police said the stretch of Route 13 between Kings Highway, White Oak Road and Lepore Road would remain closed for several hours because of leftover debris and widespread power outages.
City of Dover Electric and Streets crews, joined by additional municipal workers and first responders, were working throughout Dover to clear debris, reopen roads and restore electricity.
Despite the extent of the damage, police said there have been no reports of significant storm-related injuries, adding that they were "extremely grateful" for that outcome. Officials again asked residents to stay off the roads unless travel was absolutely necessary and to give crews room to work safely.
Dover police thanked a long list of partner agencies for responding to help, including the Dover Fire Department, Ambulnz, Kent County EMS/Public Safety, City of Dover Public Works, the Fire Marshal's Office and Emergency Management, plus police from Smyrna, DNREC, Cheswold, Camden and the Delaware State Police.
The department also credited Mission BBQ for bringing food to responders on scene.