Tornado Warning Continues for West Chester, Brookhaven and Downingtown, Pennsylvania, Until 6 PM EDT

WEST CHESTER, Pa. — The tornado warning continues for West Chester, Brookhaven, Downingtown and surrounding communities in southeastern Pennsylvania until 6 p.m. EDT Thursday.

The warning remains in effect for central Chester County and southwestern Delaware County.

Squall line moving east at 45 mph

At 5:34 p.m., a severe squall line capable of producing tornadoes and extensive straight-line wind damage extended from near Glenmoore to near Marshallton.

The storms were moving east at 45 mph, with radar indicating potentially tornadic rotation.

Communities in the storm’s path

Locations affected include West Chester, Brookhaven, Downingtown, Chester, Coatesville, Westtown, Cheyney, Marshallton, Lima, Lionville, Gradyville, Paoli, Chester Springs and Chester Township.

Residents should not wait to see or hear a tornado before seeking shelter.

Take cover immediately

Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Stay away from windows.

People outdoors, inside mobile homes or traveling in vehicles should reach the nearest substantial shelter and protect themselves from flying debris.

The storms may damage roofs, windows, vehicles, trees and power lines. Torrential rainfall could also produce flash flooding.