Tornadoes hit Queens and Long Island; heavy rains cause flooding on highways and streets.
Two tornadoes were reported in Queens and Long Island following their formation over water, the National Weather Service confirmed. These tornadoes, identified as tornadic waterspouts, were observed off the coast of Far Rockaway and Atlantic Beach on Long Island. The severe weather came as heavy rainfall swept through the region, prompting the closure of highways across New York City.
The tornadoes made landfall between 6:30 and 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, causing significant disruption and damage. Video footage shared on social media platforms showcased the impressive but menacing nature of these waterspouts, which occur infrequently and are classified as tornadoes that form over bodies of water, extending from the shoreline amid thunderous sounds overhead.
In Atlantic Beach, the tornado wreaked havoc on the Sun & Surf Beach Club, resulting in extensive damage to several cabanas and buildings. In response to this damage, the club announced on its website that it would temporarily close its facilities, urging patrons to refrain from entering until an official all-clear has been issued.
New York Mayor Mamdani issued a warning to residents of southeast Queens regarding the potential for additional tornado activity. He advised individuals in the area to take shelter in interior, windowless rooms within robust buildings, emphasizing that tornado winds are exceptionally strong and can pose serious dangers.
The storms, which were predicted to deliver nearly two inches of rain to the city, led to notable flooding and transportation delays, particularly on the eastbound Jackie Robinson and Grand Central parkways. Major highways, including the Long Island Expressway at Francis Lewis Boulevard and the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway at Queens Boulevard, were closed due to hazardous conditions, as reported by the Office of Emergency Management.
FloodNet NYC sensors documented significant flooding in various neighborhoods across Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and the Bronx, with particularly severe water accumulation observed in Canarsie and Springfield Gardens.
Social media captured the storm’s impact vividly, with videos illustrating the urgency of the situation—cars stranded on highways, stormwater inundating city streets, and cascading water earlier observed on subway tracks at Penn Station. Footage from Yeshiva World News revealed dramatic scenes at the Chabad World Headquarters on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, where an individual was seen wading through water to rescue important items from the flooding.
As the region assesses the aftermath of these tornadoes and extreme weather conditions, officials are emphasizing the importance of heeding safety warnings and remaining vigilant as weather patterns continue to evolve.
