Tornado Touches Down in Kent County, Delaware

National Weather Service confirms EF-1 tornado with 100 mph winds

Mar. 18, 2026 at 12:03am

The National Weather Service has confirmed that an EF-1 tornado touched down in Kent County, Delaware on Monday night as severe storms hit the Philadelphia region. The tornado had estimated wind speeds of 100 mph and caused significant damage in the Frederica area.

Why it matters

Tornadoes can cause substantial property damage and pose a serious threat to public safety, especially in populated areas. This incident highlights the need for effective weather monitoring and emergency preparedness measures in the region.

The details

According to the NWS, the EF-1 tornado touched down near the town of Frederica in Kent County. In addition to the tornado, the NWS is also investigating other storm damage in the Camden, Delaware area, as well as significant wind damage between Sudlersville and Millington in Queen Anne's County, Maryland. A final assessment of the full extent of the damage is expected to be completed on Wednesday.

  • The tornado touched down on Monday night as severe storms hit the Philadelphia region.
  • The NWS confirmed the EF-1 tornado and provided preliminary details on Tuesday.
  • A final assessment of the damage is expected to be completed on Wednesday.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for weather monitoring and forecasting in the United States.

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What’s next

The NWS will continue to investigate the extent of the damage caused by the tornado and other severe weather in the region, with a final assessment expected on Wednesday.

The takeaway

This tornado serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for severe weather events, and highlights the need for effective weather monitoring and emergency response systems to protect public safety in the region.