Eastern York High School in York County, Pennsylvania, will start the school year with remote learning after a tornado caused significant damage to the building. The tornado, confirmed by the National Weather Service as an EF2, struck on Thursday (August 20), tearing off parts of the school's roof and damaging classrooms and other areas. The tornado's winds reached up to 120 mph, leaving the school's performing arts center and several other parts exposed.
The Eastern York School District announced that students would receive remote instruction from Wednesday (August 26) through Friday (August 28) while restoration crews assess the damage. According to the district, the situation will be reevaluated on Friday to determine the next steps.
Fifty student-athletes were in the locker rooms when the tornado hit, but fortunately, no injuries were reported. "When we were in the locker rooms, one of the girls said that part of the roof of the school came off," junior Katherine Gleim said. "I thought it was like a little piece. I didn’t realize it was like literally the whole roof of the school," she added.
The tornado also damaged nearby homes and properties in Lower Windsor Township. Residents like Mickayla Stern are dealing with both external and internal damage to their homes. "It’s unfortunate, and we are just very thankful that we are safe, along with our neighbors as well," Stern said.
The school district expressed gratitude for the patience and support from students, families, and staff as they work toward safely returning everyone to the high school. Updates on the situation will be provided as more information becomes available.