Waterspouts, described as tornadoes over water, were reported in Queens and Long Island, New York, on Thursday evening. The National Weather Service confirmed at least one of these waterspouts made landfall as a tornado. The event has not been seen in the area since an outbreak in November 2021.
Between 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Thursday, two waterspouts were observed in the eastern Rockaways and Atlantic Beach, located in southern Queens and southern Nassau County, respectively. The tornado that came ashore in southern Nassau County caused damage to the Sun and Surf Beach Club on Atlantic Beach. According to the Inwood Fire Department chief fire marshal, 30 one-story cabanas were damaged or destroyed. One beach club employee sustained an injury but refused medical aid; no other civilian or first responder injuries were reported.
Nearby Silver Point Beach Club also experienced property damage. In response to the tornado's impact, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman declared a state of emergency on Thursday. Search teams were mobilized to ensure no one was trapped in the damaged cabanas. The National Weather Service and emergency management partners are currently reviewing damage, ground truth, and radar data to further assess the tornado's strength and impact.
First responders also assisted with rescues of individuals trapped in vehicles on Long Island's south shore Thursday night due to flooding in the area.
Separately, a tornado struck Dover, Delaware, on Thursday night, causing extensive damage throughout the city and prompting officials to declare a state of emergency. The city reported downed trees, power outages, and flooding. Dover police advised residents to remain home while emergency crews worked to restore power and clear debris. The Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions experienced severe storms that brought heavy rain, strong winds, and flash flooding on Thursday night.