Tornadoes and Flash Flooding Strike Long Island and Delaware

Severe storms battered the northeastern United States on August 20, 2026, producing rare tornadoes on Long Island, New York, and in Dover, Delaware, alongside intense flash flooding that stranded motorists. In Atlantic Beach, New York, a waterspout moved ashore at the Sun and Surf Beach Club, damaging approximately 50 cabanas while a private party was evacuating. Officials confirmed one minor injury at the club. Meanwhile, a trained spotter reported a tornado in Dover, Delaware, which stripped motel roofs and damaged commercial buildings along Route 13. Dover Mayor Robin Christiansen briefly declared a state of emergency that was lifted Friday morning. Torrential downpours also triggered major urban flooding, closing parts of the Long Island Expressway in Queens and prompting emergency personnel in Jersey City, New Jersey, to rescue 69 people from submerged vehicles using inflatable boats. National Weather Service teams deployed across affected areas to survey damage and determine storm paths.