Multiple waterspouts — tornadoes over water — were reported in Queens and Long Island, New York, Thursday night, a weather event that hasn’t been seen in the area since an outbreak in November 2021, according to the National Weather Service.
Two waterspouts were confirmed, at least one of which came ashore as a tornado, in the eastern Rockaways and Atlantic Beach in southern Queens and southern Nassau County between 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Thursday, the weather service reported.
A tornado caused damage to a beach club in Long Island, New York, Aug. 20, 2026.
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On Friday morning, the National Weather Service confirmed the waterspout in southern Nassau County came ashore as a tornado Thursday evening, leaving a trail of damage in its wake.
The tornado hit Sun and Surf Beach Club on Atlantic Beach in Long Island, injuring one and causing the damage or destruction of 30 one-story cabanas, according to the Inwood Fire Department chief fire marshal.
A tornado caused damage to a beach club in Long Island, New York, Aug. 20, 2026.
Atlantic Beach Rescue
The injured individual, a beach club employee, refused medical aid, and no other civilian or first responder injuries were reported, the fire department said.
A state of emergency was declared Thursday in Nassau County, according to Bruce Blakeman, the county’s executive.
Nearby Silver Point Beach Club also experienced property damage from the twister, Blakeman said.
Search teams mobilized to ensure no one was trapped in the cabanas, according to Blakeman.
The National Weather Service and emergency management partners are reviewing damage and radar data to continue to assess the tornado’s strength and impact, the weather service said.
A tornado caused damage to a beach club in Long Island, New York, Aug. 20, 2026.
Daniel Novick
First responders also assisted in the rescue of people trapped in their vehicles Thursday night in Long Island’s south shore due to flooding in the area, Blakeman said.
Another tornado struck Dover, Delaware, Thursday night, causing extensive damage throughout the city and prompting officials to call a state of emergency, according to the Dover Police Department.
The city experienced downed trees, power outages, flooding and other storm-related damage, police said.
Dover police urged residents to stay home Thursday night as emergency crews worked to restore power and clear damage.
The Northeast and Mid-Atlantic experienced severe storms that brought flash flooding, heavy rain and strong winds Thursday night.
