Nassau County, New York — A rare tornado struck the New York City area as powerful storms swept across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, damaging a Long Island beach club, shattering vehicle windows and leaving a trail of destruction across multiple states.
The tornado developed from a waterspout that came ashore Thursday evening near the Sun and Surf Beach Club in Atlantic Beach. After surveying the damage, the National Weather Service determined Friday that the waterspout had moved onto land as a tornado.
Officials rated the tornado EF1, with estimated peak winds of 97 mph.
Tornado Damages Long Island Beach Club
The storm caused significant damage around the Atlantic Beach property.
According to the National Weather Service, approximately 25 to 30 beach bungalows were damaged, while the beach club’s roof, surrounding decks and railings also suffered damage.
Windows in dozens of cars were shattered, adding to the destruction in the parking area.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced that a state of emergency had been declared in the county as officials responded to the storm damage.
The tornado is considered unusual for the region. It was reportedly the first tornado to hit Nassau County since November 2021, highlighting just how uncommon such an event is in the New York City area.
Another Possible Tornado Under Investigation
Weather officials are also investigating whether another waterspout came ashore approximately one mile east of the Atlantic Beach location.
The National Weather Service office serving New York City said Friday morning that the investigation was continuing.
The office had initially indicated that another tornado might have reached land near eastern Rockaway in Queens County before revising its assessment.
Tornadoes Strike Pennsylvania and Delaware
The severe weather was not limited to Long Island.
In Dover, Delaware, a tornado caused what police described as significant damage throughout the city. Two hotels sustained heavy damage, and video reportedly showed a tornado tearing the roof from a Super Lodge motel.
All guests were evacuated and moved to a temporary shelter. Despite the extent of the damage, authorities said no one was seriously injured.
Dover officials declared a state of emergency Thursday evening.
Another tornado was spotted in Columbia, Pennsylvania, as storms moved through southeastern parts of the state. A state of emergency was declared in Columbia Borough.
In nearby York County, a high school and six townhomes were damaged, while one person suffered a minor injury, according to the York County Office of Emergency Management.
Lightning Strike and Fires Add to Storm Toll
The dangerous weather also produced other life-threatening incidents.
A man died after reportedly being struck by lightning on a beach in Cape Charles, Virginia, according to reports citing the town manager.
In Summit, New Jersey, firefighters responded to a fire at a multi-unit home after an apparent lightning strike hit the chimney and ignited a blaze in the attic.
Fire Chief Brian Harnois said crews were already responding to multiple storm-related emergencies when the call came in.
Flooding Brings New York City Roads to a Standstill
Heavy rainfall created another major problem across the region.
Nearly 3 inches of rain fell in parts of New York City within a few hours, while some areas of southern New Jersey received rainfall totals approaching 5 inches.
The downpours caused flooding and forced closures on portions of major roadways, including the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and Long Island Expressway in Queens.
Authorities also warned commuters about delays affecting MTA trains across New York City.
Air travel was disrupted as well. The Federal Aviation Administration issued ground delays for flights arriving at JFK, LaGuardia and Newark airports, according to New York City Emergency Management.
Storm Threat Shifts South
The powerful storms were associated with a cold front that had already triggered flash flooding in central Ohio earlier Thursday.
Multiple water rescues and road closures were reported near Columbus. Interstate 70 in Licking County was closed near Buckeye Lake after the South Fork Licking River rose into major flood stage.
The river was approaching its record crest from March 2020 as of Friday morning.
The threat has since shifted southward toward parts of the Carolinas and southern Virginia, while additional heavy rain is expected across portions of the Mid-Atlantic.
Forecasters warned that more downpours could arrive Saturday, bringing another risk of localized flash flooding, particularly from eastern Virginia into the southern half of New Jersey.
Did you experience the severe weather or flooding in your area? Share what conditions were like where you live in the comments below.
