Severe Storms Cause Significant Damage in Delaware and New York

Severe storms struck Delaware and the New York City area Thursday evening, causing extensive damage, particularly in Dover, Delaware, and certain parts of Queens and Long Island, New York. A suspected tornado hit Dover, while two waterspouts were reported in New York City suburbs.

State Emergencies Declared

Authorities declared states of emergency in Dover and Nassau County, New York. The storms led to flooding, disrupted travel, and reports of widespread damage. In Dover, city officials warned of ‘significant’ storm damage and urged residents to remain indoors.

Damage in Dover

In Delaware’s capital, a likely tornado caused substantial damage. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirmed receiving reports and videos from a trained spotter, showing a rain-wrapped tornado in Dover. They will conduct a damage assessment to verify the tornado’s occurrence and intensity.

The city declared a state of emergency around 6 p.m. ET. The Delaware Police Department reported significant storm damage and advised people to stay off the roads.

Waterspouts in New York

In New York, NOAA is investigating damage from two waterspouts. These were observed between 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. ET, affecting areas like the Eastern Rockaways and Atlantic Beach in southern Queens and Nassau Counties.

Initial reports indicate damage in Atlantic Beach. The NOAA expects to release more information Friday. Photographs depict destruction at Atlantic City’s Sun and Surf Beach Club. Nassau County also declared a state of emergency.

Tornado and flash flood warnings were issued in parts of Queens. In Manhattan, social media videos showed flooded subway stations during the evening’s heavy rainfall.

Impact on Air Travel

Severe weather led to flight delays Thursday night at several airports, including Philadelphia International, Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia, and John F. Kennedy International. As of 10 p.m. ET, delays continued, with around 6,750 flights delayed and nearly 850 canceled nationwide.

Friday’s Weather Forecast

A flood watch will remain in effect from Philadelphia to New York City until 2 a.m. Additional severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are possible overnight. On Friday, the heavy rain is predicted to move towards Virginia and the Carolinas, according to the National Weather Service.

For further inquiries, contact Edward T. Cummins at Newsweek.