A severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Mount Holly at 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8. This warning applies to Kent, New Castle, Caroline, MD, Kent, MD, Queen Anne’s and MD counties.
Meteorologists warn of winds as strong as 60 mph.
Use caution, officials warn of hail as large as 0.75 inches.
The NWS warns: “For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. In addition to large hail and damaging winds, frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms. Move indoors immediately. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Torrential rainfall is occurring with these storms, and may lead to flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.”
See weather radar for New Castle County
What are NWS meteorologists saying?
At 5:45 p.m., the NWS issued a statement:
“The National Weather Service in Mount Holly NJ has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for: New Castle County in northern Delaware, Northwestern Kent County in central Delaware, Queen Anne’s County in northeastern Maryland, Northwestern Caroline County in eastern Maryland, Kent County in northeastern Maryland, Until 6:45 p.m. EDT. At 5:45 p.m. EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Charlestown to 6 miles west of Newtown to near Gibson Island, moving east at 35 mph.
HAZARD: 60 mph wind gusts.
SOURCE: Radar indicated.
IMPACT: Damage to roofs, siding, trees, and power lines is possible. Locations impacted include: Wilmington, Newark, Middletown, Centerville, Elsmere, New Castle, Chestertown, Centreville, Clayton, Oakland, Delaware City, Ridgely, Rock Hall, Newport, Church Hill, Millington, Sudlersville, Betterton, Old Town, and Starr.”
What is a severe thunderstorm warning?
A severe thunderstorm warning means the area is experiencing or is about to experience a storm with winds of 58 mph or higher or hail an inch in diameter or larger.
Tips for staying safe during thunderstorms
Once in a shelter, stay away from windows and avoid electrical equipment and plumbing.
Keep a battery-powered weather radio nearby in case of loss of power.
Remember to bring pets inside.
If there is time, secure loose objects outside as these objects often become dangerous flying debris in high winds.
Postpone outdoor activities until the storms have passed.
Reporters Jana Hayes and Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez contributed to this article.
This weather report was generated automatically using information from the National Weather Service and a story written and reviewed by an editor.
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This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Severe thunderstorm warning issued for New Castle County