Aug. 20 (UPI) — Authorities in Delaware repeatedly called on Dover residents Thursday to “STAY HOME” after a likely tornado caused “significant” damage throughout the city.
The Dover Police Department declared “a state emergency” at 6:20 p.m. EDT, saying the city “likely experienced a tornado, with significant damage reported throughout parts of the city.”
“PLEASE STAY OFF THE ROADS AND STAY HOME!!!!!!” it said on Facebook.
The hardest-hit area of the city was the corridor of Division Street and Lockerman Street, it said without detailing specific damage incurred. Earlier, it said the storm downed numerous trees, caused flooding and other “storm-related damage.”
Power outages were also reported, it said.
“Our officers and emergency crews are working throughout the city,” the Dover Police Department said in a statement.
“The best thing you can do right now is stay home and give them room to work. Dover — please take this seriously. Stay home. Stay safe.”
Dover Motor Speedway, known for hosting NASCAR races, said that it appeared to have suffered no major damage, while stating it was hopeful that others in the community were safe and that no one was injured.
“We’ll continue to monitor the situation and plan to conduct a more thorough survey of the facility in the coming days,” the speedway said in a statement.
The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning that was in effect until 6:45 p.m. for the Delaware areas of Dover, Camden and Rodney.
It came as parts of the U.S. East Coast were expected to see torrential downpours and flash flooding over the weekend.