Storms, Possible Tornadoes Pummel Northeast US

The Northeast United States was pounded by heavy rain and wind on Aug. 20 as storms and a possible tornado tore through the region.

What was possibly a tornado touched down at a beach on Long Island, while dozens were stranded in their cars in New Jersey and parts of Delaware’s capital were left without power.

A beach club in Atlantic Beach on Long Island’s outer barrier bore the brunt of the suspected whirlwind, with social media footage showing broken beach chairs and wooden beams scattered across the shoreline.

The Sun and Surf Beach Club said the buildings had been significantly damaged and that it had temporarily closed the club and nearby Silver Point.

The National Weather Service had warned of waterspouts—tornado-like hazards that happen over water—in the area, but was unable to immediately confirm whether there had been a tornado on the beach. 

No Deaths or Serious Injuries

There were no reports of serious injuries or deaths, but there was property damage, according to Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who said a search team was making sure no one was trapped in the cabanas. He declared a state of emergency.

“There are reports of people trapped in their vehicles due to flooding in the south shore, and first responders are assisting in their rescue,” he said in a statement.

Bryan Ramsey, a meteorologist for the New York weather service, said that by Thursday evening, the storm was moving offshore in an easterly direction and was expected to taper out over the next several hours.

Elsewhere in New York, flooding caused part of the Long Island Expressway in Queens to close in both directions, according to New York City Emergency Management. 

Photos on social media showed lines of cars forced to a halt as emergency service crews crossed the water.

Flash Flooding in Jersey

In Jersey City, New Jersey, emergency crews rescued 69 people trapped in cars that had been overtaken by flash flooding on Thursday, according to Mayor James Solomon. 

Emergency personnel had to wade through roads, knee-deep in water, with small inflatable boats to help those stranded.

A likely tornado touched down in Dover, Delaware, causing significant damage across the city, the police department said. No serious injuries were reported.

“If you are out sightseeing, checking out the damage, or doing anything that is not absolutely necessary — YOU ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM. Every unnecessary vehicle on the road makes it harder and more dangerous for emergency crews to get where they need to be and prevents us from helping people who actually need assistance,” Dover Police Department said in a post on Facebook.

“Dover—please take this seriously. Stay home. Stay safe.”

Online videos and photographs depict fallen trees, downed power lines, and flooded roads.

The Delaware Electric Cooperative said more than 1,000 customers were left without power for several hours in the northern part of its service area.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.