UPDATED: Storms Pound Delmarva with Thunder, Lightning, Wind and Rain

Image courtesy Accuweather

UPDATED – 07/19/26 – 4:15am – At the height of the storm, the Delaware Electric Cooperative reported over 4000 members without power. As of 4am, DEC still had nearly 1000 members without power and say on their FB page that they’re facing extensive damage from the storm and restoration is taking longer – crews still working to restore power. All members at Choptank Electric Cooperative had power restored. Over 1000 Delmarva Power customers remain without power – in Sussex, Talbot and Somerset Counties – and northern Delaware.

The cleanup from the storm will continue today – send your storm pics to media@wgmd.com

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ORIGINAL STORY – 07/18/26 8pm – As storms moved across Delmarva Saturday night, severe thunderstorm warnings covered the region – and Sussex and Caroline Counties sat under a tornado warning for about 40 minutes, which expired at 7pm.  While no tornadoes were spotted, there was strong thunder and lightning, heavy rain and wind throughout the area.  

The National Weather Service had a report from Dover AFB of wind gusts to 40mph.  Dewey Beach saw a wind gust at 53mph and Lewes at 63mph

In Kent County, DE a large tree was reported down in Felton along with multiple reports of wires down throughout the center of the County.  

Flash flooding was reported in Talbot County in the Easton area by MDOT which closed all lanes on MD 33 at Hammond Street due to high water.  Flooding was also reported in the area of Route 50 west between Second Street & Mulberry Drive in the Easton area.

All three power companies report widespread outages and calls for wires down.  Delaware Electric Cooperative  reported over 2500 members with no power after the storm passed through.  Crews were out before the storm moved off the coast working to restore power.  

Choptank Electric Cooperative had just over 1000 without power on the Lower and Mid-Shore.

Delmarva Power had over 7400 customers without power from Pocomoke to Wilmington.  They remind customers to stay away from downed wires and other equipment and always assume any downed wire or equipment is energized.

• The fastest and easiest way to report outages is via our mobile app, our website, or via text. 
• To report an outage or downed wire via phone, customers can call 1-800-898-8042. 
• Customers can text “OUT” to 67972 to report their outage. 
• Customers must first text “ADD OUTAGE” to 67972 to sign up for this service.

Delmarva Power also reminds you to check on elderly neighbors and relatives.

If using a generator, read and adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation. Don’t connect your generator directly to your home’s wiring. Never use a generator indoors or in an attached garage.