Tornado causes significant damage in Dover, Delaware amid Northeast severe storm outbreak
A likely tornado struck Dover, Delaware on Thursday evening, causing extensive damage and prompting a state of emergency, while severe storms and flash flooding affected the broader Northeast region.
Authorities in Dover, Delaware reported extensive damage after a likely tornado touched down Thursday evening, toppling trees, flooding streets and damaging structures. The Dover Police Department announced a state of emergency and urged residents to avoid travel on affected roads. The National Weather Service had earlier issued a tornado warning for the area, confirming a large and dangerous tornado on the ground.
The storm system also impacted the Interstate 95 corridor during the evening rush hour, producing thunderstorms and flash flooding across multiple states. New York City experienced significant rain, leading to flooded roadways and subway stations, while Philadelphia faced similar conditions. Rainfall rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour and total accumulations of 3 to 7 inches were reported in some locations.
In Long Island’s Nassau County, authorities said a possible tornado damaged or destroyed about 30 one-story cabanas at the Sun n Surf Beach Club in Atlantic Beach. One worker was treated for minor injuries, and search teams were deployed to check for additional victims. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman declared a state of emergency.
The National Weather Service is reviewing radar data on two waterspouts that appeared to affect Atlantic Beach and the eastern Rockaways in Queens, though no damage was reported from the latter. In Pennsylvania, Governor Josh Shapiro said emergency officials were monitoring reports of tornadoes and significant damage in York and Lancaster counties. Flight cancellations surged at Northeast airports, with more than 700 flights canceled by early evening. A flood watch remained in effect from Philadelphia to New York City through early Friday morning.