WRIGHTSVILLE, PA. Eastern York High School students will begin the school year remotely after a tornado caused extensive damage to the school during severe storms on Aug. 20.
The Makin’ The Hit UAS/Robotics Team was requested to the scene immediately after the tornado struck the building, assisting first responders and facility personnel with an up-close assessment of the damage.
Using unmanned aircraft systems and advanced technology, the team provided responders and school officials with immediate information about the building’s current condition, including visual documentation and life-safety assessments to help identify areas where potential victims could be located and determine whether portions of the structure could be safely accessed.
The response provided first responders with an aerial perspective of areas that could be difficult or unsafe to reach on foot, helping officials better understand the extent of the damage as emergency operations and assessments began.
Fifty student-athletes sheltered in locker rooms as the tornado moved through the area. The National Weather Service later confirmed that a tornado touched down in York County.
“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.”
Gleim said fire alarms sounded while the students sheltered inside.
“The fire alarms all went off, and we didn’t know what to do because, like, we didn’t know what happened,” she said.
No injuries were reported.
Performing Arts Center Heavily Damaged
The school’s performing arts center sustained significant damage, with portions of the roof torn away and some areas of the building left exposed to the elements.
“I’ve been inside, and there are some rooms where you walk in, and you can see the blue sky,” said Ted Czech of York County Emergency Management.
Restoration crews, emergency management personnel and other agencies continue to evaluate the building and determine what work will be required before students can safely return.
After consulting with restoration crews and other agencies, the Eastern York School District announced that high school students will receive remote instruction from Wednesday through Friday, Aug. 26–28.
The district plans to continue assessing restoration work throughout the week and reevaluate the situation Friday.
The remote schedule applies only to Eastern York High School students.
“This is certainly not the way we envisioned beginning our school year, but we appreciate the patience and support of our students, families, and staff as we work toward safely returning everyone to the high school as soon as possible,” the district said.
For the Makin’ The Hit UAS/Robotics Team, the response highlights how modern unmanned technology can provide first responders with critical information in the immediate aftermath of severe weather, helping them make safer and more informed decisions when entering or assessing damaged structures.
