A powerful waterspout spotted off Long Island's South Shore may have become a tornado when it moved ashore Thursday night, ripping through a beach club and damaging 30 cabanas. One worker was injured but refused medical treatment as severe storms also triggered flash flooding across parts of the New York metropolitan area. The National Weather Service planned to survey the damage Friday to determine whether a tornado touched down.
Waterspout Tears Through Atlantic Beach
The apparent tornadic waterspout was spotted offshore near Atlantic Beach in Nassau County, across Reynolds Channel from Far Rockaway, Queens. Video captured the waterspout moving toward shore around the time a tornado warning was issued for the area. The National Weather Service had not confirmed a tornado, but officials said crews would inspect Atlantic Beach and Rockaway Beach. The survey was expected to produce a report by the end of Friday.
30 Cabanas Damaged or Destroyed
The Inwood Fire Department responded to the Sun and Surf Beach Club after the storm caused extensive damage. According to the Nassau County fire marshal, 30 cabanas were damaged or destroyed by the powerful winds. Parts of the beach club were heavily damaged. One worker reported an injury but declined medical attention. No other injuries were reported.
Nassau County Declares State of Emergency
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman declared a state of emergency following the storm damage. Blakeman was scheduled to provide an update Friday morning on the impact from wind and flooding. The suspected tornado was part of a larger severe weather system that moved through the region Thursday, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and flash flooding.
Flooding Hits New York and New Jersey
The storms developed as a low-pressure system moved through the region. Heavy rainfall caused flooding in communities stretching from East Meadow and Flushing, Queens, to Elizabeth and Bloomfield, New Jersey. Some homes reportedly took on more than a foot of water, flooding basements and first floors. New York City's Office of Emergency Management had issued a travel advisory before the storms, warning that flash flooding and wind gusts of up to 65 mph were possible.
Tornado Confirmation Still Pending
The combination of video showing the waterspout offshore and the destruction reported in Atlantic Beach led officials to believe a tornado may have reached land. The National Weather Service was not immediately confirming a Long Island tornado. Its survey teams were expected to examine the damage and determine whether the waterspout became a tornado after moving ashore. A tornado was confirmed in Dover, Delaware, where police declared a state of emergency and urged residents to remain home.
Storm Threat Eases After 9 p.m.
The broader severe weather threat weakened after 9 p.m. as showers and thunderstorms moved east. Some roads affected by flooding began to clear, although elevated water levels remained in certain areas. The Long Island damage survey will determine whether the dramatic waterspout captured on video was also responsible for the destruction at the beach club.
What Comes Next
National Weather Service crews are expected to complete their assessment of Atlantic Beach and Rockaway Beach and issue findings on whether a tornado touched down. Nassau County officials will also continue assessing storm damage and flooding after the emergency declaration. Residents in affected areas will be watching for additional information as cleanup and recovery continue.
FAQ
Did a tornado hit Long Island?
A tornado has not yet been officially confirmed. A waterspout was seen offshore near Atlantic Beach, and officials believe it may have become a tornado after moving onto land.
How many beach cabanas were damaged in Atlantic Beach?
The Nassau County fire marshal said 30 cabanas at the Sun and Surf Beach Club were damaged or destroyed.
Was anyone injured in the Long Island storm?
One worker was reported injured but refused medical treatment. No other injuries were reported.
Why was Nassau County placed under a state of emergency?
County Executive Bruce Blakeman declared a state of emergency because of damage caused by the storms, including powerful winds and flooding.
Where else did the storms cause flooding?
Flooding was reported from East Meadow and Flushing in New York to Elizabeth and Bloomfield in New Jersey. Some homes received more than a foot of water.
