Image Source: NBC10 Philadelphia
NWS down searches surged after severe storms swept through the Philadelphia region, but the latest update from the National Weather Service concerns upcoming tornado damage surveys—not a confirmed agency outage. The National Weather Service Mount Holly office said survey teams will examine damage in Delaware and New Jersey after two tornadoes touched down Thursday.
The storms brought a dangerous combination of tornadoes, hail, heavy rain and strong winds across the region on November 12, 2026. The weather system also caused a sharp temperature drop, with cold rain and snow showers expected as the storm moved away.
Critical NWS Down Update: Survey Teams Head to Storm-Damaged Areas
The National Weather Service confirmed that a tornado touched down in New Castle County, Delaware, early Thursday afternoon. Later in the day, a second tornado was confirmed in Burlington County, New Jersey, after a tornado warning was issued for Burlington and Mercer counties.
NWS Mount Holly announced that survey teams would visit affected areas Friday to inspect the damage. The agency said complete survey results were expected Friday afternoon or Friday evening. Those reviews are used to determine the strength, path and approximate duration of tornadoes.
Residents should not interpret the phrase “NWS down” as confirmation that weather alerts have stopped. The supplied update did not report a widespread National Weather Service system failure. People in affected communities should continue monitoring official warnings through trusted weather sources and local emergency management agencies.
Powerful Storms Deliver Tornadoes, Hail and Heavy Rain
Scattered storms began moving across the region early Thursday before intensifying from late morning through the afternoon. The severe thunderstorms produced large amounts of hail in parts of the Pennsylvania suburbs, along with heavy rainfall and strong gusts.
Several roads in Burlington County were closed while crews assessed damage. Officials and emergency responders continued checking for downed trees, damaged structures and other hazards following the storms.
The severe weather prompted a First Alert for the entire Philadelphia region until 7 p.m. Thursday. A Tornado Watch also covered the region during the afternoon, while more targeted Tornado Warnings were issued as storms developed across New Jersey.
- A confirmed tornado struck New Castle County, Delaware.
- A second tornado was confirmed in Burlington County, New Jersey.
- Hail fell across parts of the Philadelphia suburbs.
- Road closures were reported in Burlington County as crews evaluated damage.
- National Weather Service teams planned formal surveys for Friday.
Cold Rain and Snow Follow Severe Weather
The same area of low pressure responsible for Thursday’s storms was expected to bring a much colder pattern into the region. Rain was forecast to continue overnight and into Friday, with snow showers or flurries possible Friday evening in the Pennsylvania suburbs.
Forecasters said temperatures would remain in the 40s Friday, but northwest winds gusting up to 30 mph could make it feel like the 30s throughout the day. A light coating of snow was possible at the highest elevations, creating potentially tricky travel from Friday evening into Saturday morning.
Saturday was expected to remain mostly cloudy and dry, although wind chills could fall into the upper 20s or lower 30s early in the morning. Brighter skies and calmer winds were forecast for Sunday.
What Residents Should Know Now
People in Delaware, New Jersey and the Philadelphia region should use caution while traveling through areas affected by flooding, fallen branches or storm debris. Drivers should never approach downed power lines and should follow road closure signs.
Anyone who notices new structural damage should contact local authorities or emergency services when appropriate. Residents should also keep mobile devices charged and ensure weather alerts are enabled, particularly as cold rain and gusty winds continue.
The NWS damage surveys will provide a clearer picture of the tornadoes’ paths and impacts. Until those findings are released, officials are urging residents to remain alert, especially during periods of heavy rain and reduced visibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the NWS down?
The supplied update does not report a widespread National Weather Service outage. The latest NWS news involves damage surveys planned after tornadoes in Delaware and New Jersey.
Where did the tornadoes touch down?
The National Weather Service confirmed one tornado in New Castle County, Delaware, and NBC10 Philadelphia confirmed another in Burlington County, New Jersey.
When will the NWS survey results be released?
NWS Mount Holly said the full results of its damage surveys were expected Friday afternoon or Friday evening.
What weather is expected after the storms?
Cold rain is expected to linger into Friday, with snow showers or flurries possible in the Pennsylvania suburbs Friday evening. Saturday should be mostly cloudy and dry, followed by brighter conditions Sunday.
