Laurel Tornado 14th Twister EF-2 Or Greater To Strike Delaware Since 1950
LAUREL, Del. (CBS) -- The power is almost entirely back on in southern Delaware a day after an EF-2 tornado hit. Since 1950, there have been 14 EF-2 tornadoes or greater in the state, including Monday's twister.
The twister, which touched down Monday morning in Laurel, Sussex County, was the strongest to hit Delaware since 2004.
???? DE tornado upgraded to EF-2 with winds of 120 mph! https://t.co/PSUWWaq2KO
— Lauren Casey (@ClimateCasey) April 15, 2019
The twister's 120 mph winds tore a six-mile path of destruction, battering dozens of homes and barns. Some schools were closed Tuesday, and some roads in the area remain closed as the cleanup continues.
Only two other tornadoes of similar intensity to Monday's twister have impacted Sussex County. Those happened on Aug. 12, 1955 and July 18, 1984.
Laurel storm damage aerial video (April 15, 2019)Aerial video from the vicinity of Seaford Road (US 13A) north of Laurel, Sussex County, in southwestern Delaware. Numerous structures have sustained moderate to severe damage from storms, possibly tornadic, that rolled through early Monday morning, April 15, 2019. Video courtesty of DelDOT.
Posted by Laurel Fire Dept. on Monday, April 15, 2019
On April 4, 1961, an EF-3 tornado struck Delaware, which is the strongest twister to impact the state.