Storms soak Northeast as possible tornadoes reported in New York, Delaware

Heavy rain and strong winds lashed the Northeast U.S. on Thursday, causing widespread disruption and damage. Storms swept through Long Island, New York, tearing apart a beach club and littering the shoreline with debris. Inwood Fire Chief Josiyah Green described the situation at the Sun and Surf Beach Club in Atlantic Beach as "luck," noting that dozens of cabanas were damaged or destroyed but thankfully no one was trapped or required rescue.

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Best I can call it is luck. Just by the grace of luck that a lot of people weren't hurt here because this beach club is a very popular place during the summer.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman declared a state of emergency, citing reports of people trapped in vehicles due to flooding on the south shore. First responders were actively assisting in rescues. While the National Weather Service had warned of potential waterspouts, they were unable to immediately confirm a tornado touchdown on the beach. The storm was moving offshore Thursday evening and expected to weaken.

Further south, a confirmed tornado touched down in Dover, Delaware, causing significant damage. The Dover Police Department reported that sections of roofs at the Days Inn and Super Lodge collapsed or were torn away, with other buildings also sustaining damage. Lt. Mark Hoffman stated the damage was consistent with a tornado's path. Online photos and videos showed fallen trees, downed power lines, and flooded roads across the city.

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There are reports of people trapped in their vehicles due to flooding in the south shore, and first responders are assisting in their rescue.

In New York City, flooding on the Long Island Expressway in Queens forced its closure in both directions, with emergency crews seen wading through the water. Photos circulating on social media depicted lines of stalled vehicles. Residents like Kuimonie Goins of Greensboro, North Carolina, described witnessing building pieces flying as the storm intensified while they were staying at a Dover hotel.

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It would certainly appear that way based on the path of travel and the amount of damage that we've had.