The National Weather Service in State College, Pennsylvania, issued a Tornado Warning for northeastern Lancaster County after radar indicated a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado near East Petersburg.

At 4:46 p.m. EDT, the storm was located over East Petersburg and moving northeast at 30 mph. The warning covered areas including Lancaster, Lititz, Akron, Terre Hill and Denver, with the storm expected to move through those locations between about 4:50 p.m. and 5:10 p.m. EDT.

The warning was in effect until 5:15 p.m. EDT. Officials warned that flying debris could be dangerous, while mobile homes could be damaged or destroyed. Roofs, windows and vehicles could also sustain damage, with tree damage likely.

Reports indicated a tornado in Columbia, where houses were reported to have collapsed, while roofs were blown off and trees and power lines were down. Residents were urged not to go outside as the dangerous storm moved through the area.

Other locations affected by the tornadic thunderstorm included Bareville, Reamstown, Goodville, Schoeneck, Fivepointville, Blue Ball and Farmersville. The warning also included a section of the Pennsylvania Turnpike between mile markers 278 and 286.

The National Weather Service urged people in the warning area to take cover immediately. Residents were advised to move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and stay away from windows. Those outdoors, in mobile homes or in vehicles were urged to move to the nearest substantial shelter and protect themselves from flying debris.