Veteran Owned & Operated 
Kent County property owners were hit by a serious severe-weather outbreak on August 20, 2026. The National Weather Service confirmed three tornadoes in Kent County, including an EF-1 tornado in Dover, an EF-1 near Marydel, and an EF-0 near Hazlettville. For homeowners and business owners dealing with roof damage, fallen trees, damaged outbuildings, wind-driven rain, or other property losses, the storm created an immediate need to document damage carefully and understand the insurance claim process.
A Kent County Delaware public adjuster represents the policyholder, not the insurance company. That distinction can become important when a storm claim involves multiple damaged areas, large repair estimates, questions about coverage, or disagreements over the scope of the loss.
Metro Public Adjustment has advocated for property owners since 1994. The company’s mission is centered on protecting and educating policyholders and helping them navigate property-loss claims. Learn more about Metro Public Adjustment and its history.
Three Confirmed Tornadoes Hit Kent County on August 20
The National Weather Service damage survey documented three separate tornadoes in Kent County.
The Dover tornado was rated EF-1 with estimated peak winds of 100 to 110 mph. It traveled approximately 3.2 miles, beginning southwest of Dover and ending north-northeast of the city. The tornado damaged trees and property and caused extensive damage at the Dover Little League baseball fields at Schutte Park.
Near Marydel, another EF-1 tornado produced estimated winds of 90 to 100 mph. The survey documented uprooted large oak trees, including trees that fell onto a home, along with the loss of a barn and shed at another property.
A third tornado near Hazlettville was rated EF-0 with winds estimated at 70 to 80 mph. The storm damaged agricultural buildings, including roof panels on a barn.
For property owners, these reports show why a storm claim should not be evaluated only by what is obvious from the street. Tornado and wind damage can affect roofing, siding, gutters, windows, garages, barns, sheds, fences, interior finishes, and other parts of the property.
What to Document After Kent County Storm Damage
Before permanent repairs begin, document the condition of the property whenever it is safe to do so.
Take wide photographs of every side of the home or building. Then take detailed photos of individual areas of damage. Capture roof edges, missing or lifted shingles, siding, gutters, downspouts, fascia, windows, doors, fences, garages, sheds, trees, and debris.
If water entered the structure, photograph ceilings, walls, insulation, flooring, and personal property.
If a tree fell onto the building, document the tree and the point of impact before removal when possible. Safety comes first, so do not delay emergency work if a tree or damaged structure creates an immediate hazard.
Keep all receipts and invoices for temporary repairs, tarps, board-up work, tree removal, water extraction, temporary lodging, or other storm-related expenses.
The Delaware Department of Insurance advises consumers to provide detailed information about property damage, keep bills and receipts for temporary repairs, and communicate with their insurance company after a loss.
Metro also provides a free property inspection that can help property owners identify damage and better understand the next steps.
Why the Insurance Company Estimate May Not Tell the Whole Story
An insurance estimate is one part of the claim process. It may reflect the damage observed during a particular inspection, but it is still important for the policyholder to review whether the full loss was documented.
After a tornado or severe wind event, repair work can reveal additional damage. Roofing materials may hide damaged decking. Siding removal may expose sheathing damage. Water intrusion can become visible after the next rain. Tree impact can affect structural components beyond the visible exterior.
Compare the insurance estimate with contractor estimates and the actual condition of the property.
Ask whether every damaged area has been addressed. Review roofing, siding, windows, gutters, interior water damage, detached structures, fencing, debris removal, and emergency work.
Metro’s insurance claim help center explains how a public adjuster can assist with preparing inventories, estimates, factual proofs of loss, and other claim documentation.
What Does a Kent County Delaware Public Adjuster Do?
A public adjuster is hired by the policyholder to assist with a property insurance claim.
A Kent County Delaware public adjuster can help inspect and document the property, review the policy, organize the scope of loss, communicate with the insurance company, attend claim inspections, and assist with negotiations.
Metro’s public adjusting services include property damage inspections, policy review, insurance claim handling and coordination, and prior claim review.
This is different from the insurance company’s adjuster, who is assigned by the carrier.
For a homeowner or business owner trying to recover from storm damage, having an experienced professional focused on the policyholder’s side of the claim can make the process easier to manage.
Dover, Marydel, and Hazlettville Property Owners May Face Different Types of Claims
The August 20 tornadoes did not create identical damage in every community.
In Dover, the stronger EF-1 tornado moved through a more populated area and caused significant wind and debris damage.
Near Marydel, the National Weather Service documented large trees falling onto a residence and damage to barns and sheds.
Near Hazlettville, agricultural buildings and metal roofing were affected.
That means Kent County claims can range from residential roof and siding losses to tree impact, outbuilding damage, commercial losses, and agricultural property damage.
Metro works with both residential and commercial property owners. Property owners can review what public adjusting means before deciding whether professional claim representation makes sense for their situation.
When Should You Consider a Public Adjuster?
Not every small storm claim requires a public adjuster. However, it may be worth requesting a review when:
- Multiple areas of the property are damaged
- A tree struck the home or another structure
- The carrier estimate appears to omit visible damage
- Contractor estimates are significantly higher than the insurance estimate
- The claim is delayed or difficult to understand
- A claim was denied or underpaid
- You are managing a substantial residential or commercial loss
- You want an experienced professional handling communication and documentation
Metro also offers prior claim review for property owners whose claims were already settled without Metro’s involvement.
Metro Has Represented Property Owners Since 1994
Experience matters when a property owner is facing a complicated loss.
Since 1994, Metro Public Adjustment has focused on advocating for property owners and helping policyholders navigate the insurance claim process. Metro’s stated mission is to protect and educate the policyholder.
That educational approach is also reflected in Metro’s Insurance Claim Learning Center, which explains claim procedures, public adjusting, common misconceptions, and insurance policy issues.
For Kent County residents dealing with tornado or storm damage, the immediate goal is not simply to file paperwork quickly. It is to make sure the loss is documented thoroughly and the claim is handled based on the policy and the actual damage.
Get Help With a Kent County Storm Damage Claim
If your home, business, barn, garage, or other property was damaged by the August 20 storms in Dover, Marydel, Hazlettville, or another Kent County community, organize your documentation before the claim moves too far forward.
Metro Public Adjustment can help review the damage, explain the public adjusting process, and assist with the insurance claim.
Contact Metro Public Adjustment or request a free property inspection to discuss your Kent County storm damage claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tornadoes hit Kent County, Delaware on August 20, 2026?
The National Weather Service confirmed three tornadoes in Kent County: an EF-1 in Dover, an EF-1 near Marydel, and an EF-0 near Hazlettville.
How strong was the Dover tornado?
The Dover tornado was rated EF-1 with estimated peak winds of 100 to 110 mph. Its documented path was approximately 3.2 miles long.
What does a public adjuster do after tornado damage?
A public adjuster represents the policyholder. The adjuster can inspect and document damage, review the insurance policy, prepare supporting claim information, communicate with the insurance company, and assist with negotiations.
Can Metro help if my insurance claim is already open?
Yes. Metro can assist with active claims and also offers prior claim review. The specific options available depend on the policy, claim status, and circumstances.
Does Metro charge for a property inspection?
Metro offers a free property inspection and consultation. You can request one through Metro’s property inspection page.