Will Delaware see a wet spring after its snowy winter? What to know

Delaware has faced a snowy winter with multiple major winter storms hitting the state.

While the winter has been volatile, spring might be a little less so. AccuWeather is predicting fewer tornadoes in the United States this spring, but there’s still the possibility of strong storms and flooding throughout the country.

A fast exit from La Niña could result in a weaker upper-level jet stream overall this spring, AccuWeather predicted. This situation reduces the conditions that produce tornadoes. However, the conditions support lines of thunderstorm capable of producing damaging winds and repeated rounds of flooding down.

“There may be fewer tornadoes reported compared to last year, but that does not mean this will be a quiet severe weather season,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Alex Duffus said in a new release. “There is an increased likelihood of severe thunderstorms packing damaging wind gusts and heavy downpours. Flash flooding is a big concern this year.”

According to AccuWeather, the peak time Delaware will see severe weather will be in May.

Are there tornadoes in Delaware?

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Funnel cloud over Frankford, Delaware, June 30, 2025

The National Weather Service did not confirm a tornado touched town.

While tornadoes in Delaware are rare, they do happen. Last year, there were two confirmed tornadoes in Delaware – one near Bethel and the other near Frankford.

Since 1954, there have been 80 tornadoes in the First State, leading to 78 injuries and three deaths.

The busiest tornado seasons were in 2020 and 1992 when six tornadoes hit the state. The early 1990s saw an increase in tornadic activity as 17 tornadoes hit the state between 1992 and 1995.

National Weather Service Delaware spring forecast

The National Weather Service is predicting equal chances that Delaware will either have above normal or below normal temperatures during the spring. The Maryland and Virginia portion of the Delmarva peninsula has a 33% to 40% chance of seeing a warmer than average spring.

In terms of precipitation, Delaware has an equal chance of having above normal or below normal temperatures during the spring.

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What’s the difference between a watch, warning and emergency?

With spring quickly approaching, it’s a good time to brush up on spring weather terms. According to the National Weather Service, these are some of the different alerts.

• Severe thunderstorm watch: A watch means thunderstorms are possible in the area. Watch areas are generally large. People in the areas should pay attention to weather reports and changing conditions.
• Severe thunderstorm warning: A severe thunderstorm has been spotted in your area or is tracking toward your area. People should take shelter and pay attention to weather reports and changing conditions.
• Tornado watch: A watch means tornadoes are possible in the area. The areas are generally very large. When a watch is issued, it means it’s time to prepare for a potential storm and keep an eye on weather reports in case conditions change.
• Tornado warning: A funnel cloud or tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. You should seek shelter. Move to an interior room of your home on the lowest floor and avoid areas with windows. If in a mobile home, a vehicle or outdoors, move to a shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.
• Tornado emergency: A tornado emergency is the National Weather Service’s highest alert level and is issued when a violent tornado has touched down in the watch area. The tornado is a severe threat to human life and property, with catastrophic damage confirmed. Immediately seek refuge in the safest location possible.