PHILADELPHIA - A line of severe thunderstorms claimed the life of one person in Sussex County, Delaware Saturday, as they ripped through the Delaware Valley, dumping copious rain, dousing the region with frequent lighting, strong, gusty winds and hail.Forecasters warned of the potential for severe weather, as part of a system that produced many strong tornadoes in the Midwest and southern states Friday evening, advanced into the northeast Saturday.Across the Delaware Valley, storms began to develop about 5 p.m., moving west to east, igniting the northern and western Philadelphia suburbs with warnings, both severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, as the system marched across the area on its way to the Jersey shore.Hail reigned down during a severe weather outbreak in Mt.
Laurel, N.J.In its wake, the system dumped drenching rain, causing flooding in some locales, such as the Schuylkill Expressway, in King of Prussia and frequent cloud to ground lighting.In Sussex County, Delaware, officials say one person died after a reported tornado caused a house to collapse.
The person's age and identify have yet to be released.Delaware Gov. John Carney offered his condolences, saying "Our prayers are with the family of the victim in Sussex County, and everyone affected by today’s severe storms."Frequent cloud to ground lightning is seen during severe weather in Brick, N.J.Further north, many locations received pea-sized hail and gusty winds capable of doing extreme damage.Severe storm in Brigantine, N.J. (@richlevering)Chester County hail. (Mrs.
Anderson)The system exited the region after 8 p.m., leaving many residents to clean up storm damage.Neighbors in Cinnaminson are wrapping their heads around the widespread damage now confirmed by.