Powerful storms, tornadoes batter the Northeast and flood streets
Streets flooded across the Northeast as severe weather passed through. The National Weather Service issued tornado and flash flood warnings.
New Yorkers received urgent instructions to take shelter immediately on Thursday evening after a tornado warning was issued for Queens and other parts of New York.
An unusual weather spectacle for New York City, waterspouts — which trigger tornado warnings once they go onshore — hit parts of Long Island and the city as strong winds and rained whipped through the region.
The National Weather Service said that two waterspouts came onshore between 6:30 and 7 p.m. on Thursday, one in Queens and another in Nassau County.
The waterspouts — funnels of air and water mist — hit parts of the eastern Rockaways and Atlantic Beach, the weather service reported. Friday morning, the weather service classified the weather event near Atlantic Beach as a tornado.
Social media videos showed large funnels rotating in the sky, mostly near the beach.
The NWS said that the eastern Rockaways waterspout that came onshore was “short-lived,” with no damage reported as of Thursday night.
The waterspout in Atlantic Beach hit Sun and Surf Beach Club, according to the resort. The beach club said that significant damage was caused to numerous cabanas and buildings.
NWS reported that the radar showed the Atlantic Beach waterspout survived on land longer.
In New York City, multiple roadways closed during the flooding, such as the Brooklyn Queens Expressway and parts of the Long Island Expressway.
Social media video also showed rain leaking into subway stations and flooded streets. Around two to three inches of rain were reported, according to the New York Times.