Husneara Choudhury, New York:— A powerful tornado tore through Atlantic Beach on Long Island amid severe thunderstorms and heavy rain, leaving widespread destruction along the waterfront. The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed the tornado following a damage survey Friday.
The tornado struck the Atlantic Beach area Thursday evening, between approximately 6:30 and 7 p.m. According to officials, a waterspout that formed over the ocean moved inland and intensified into a tornado, unleashing powerful winds across the coastal community.
At the Sun and Surf Beach Club, approximately 50 cabanas were damaged or destroyed. Structures were torn apart, roofs and furniture were thrown across the property, and debris was scattered throughout the beach club.
More than 100 people were reportedly at the club when the storm struck. As conditions rapidly deteriorated, people rushed to seek shelter. Despite the extensive damage, there were no reports of fatalities or serious injuries. One employee reportedly suffered minor injuries but declined medical treatment.
Emergency crews, including firefighters and rescue personnel, responded quickly to the scene. Teams searched the damaged area to ensure that no one was trapped beneath the debris.
Nassau County officials took emergency measures following the storm as crews began assessing the damage, clearing debris and securing affected areas. Residents and visitors have been urged to stay away from damaged sections until safety inspections are completed.
The severe weather also brought flash flooding, torrential rain and dangerous driving conditions to parts of New York City and Long Island. Several roads were inundated, disrupting traffic and leaving some vehicles stranded in floodwaters.
Weather officials said the Atlantic Beach tornado highlights the dangers of rapidly developing coastal storms, particularly when waterspouts move inland. The sudden storm caught many residents and beachgoers off guard and left significant damage in its path.
Officials are continuing to assess the full extent of the destruction. The financial cost of the damage has not yet been determined, while cleanup and recovery efforts are underway.
