Tornadoes and flash floods strike Long Island and Dover, prompting rescues and closures

Tornadoes formed during a severe storm system that moved through the northeastern United States on Thursday, striking Atlantic Beach on Long Island and the city of Dover, Delaware. In Long Island, a funnel cloud was captured over the water and a tornado hit the Sun & Surf Beach Club, injuring one person and destroying at least 50 beach cabanas, according to Nassau County fire marshal Michael Uttaro. The club was hosting a party of 200 to 300 guests, who began evacuating before the tornado struck. Both Sun & Surf and nearby Silver Point announced they will remain closed while damage is assessed.

In Dover, a trained spotter reported a tornado that ripped the roof off a motel and damaged structures along Route 13. Mayor Robin Christiansen lifted the state of emergency on Friday morning to allow normal activities to resume, though police warned residents to expect debris, blocked lanes and utility crews working on cleanup.

First responders in Nassau County rescued several people trapped in vehicles by floodwaters, and the Long Island Expressway in Queens was partially closed in both directions. In Jersey City, New Jersey, emergency crews used inflatable boats to save 69 motorists stranded by flash flooding, according to Mayor James Solomon.

Officials noted that tornadoes are uncommon in the northeastern United States compared with the interior of the country.