Severe Weather Alert: Tornado and Thunderstorm Warnings Impact Delaware and Chester Counties

A tornado alert issued by the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, New Jersey, concluded at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday for Delaware County. However, a severe thunderstorm warning remains in effect until 6 p.m.

Numerous reports have come in regarding downed power lines, fallen tree limbs, accidents, water rescues, and house fires. By 5:55 p.m., the PECO power outage count in Delaware County reached 74,000, with emergency crews working throughout the area.

At approximately 5:02 p.m., a massive and extremely perilous tornado was reported over Landenberg, about seven miles north of Newark. This tornado was moving northeast at a speed of 40 mph, according to the weather service.

This event was described as a particularly dangerous situation, meaning significant damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles is probable, with complete destruction also possible.

It remains uncertain whether the tornado made contact with the ground. In Chester County, the PECO outage numbers soared past 40,000 by 5:15 p.m., stabilizing just under 50,000 shortly before 6 p.m.

As the leading edge of the storm line advanced past Philadelphia International Airport, wind speeds were recorded at 55.2 mph.