Severe storms impacted regions of Delaware and New York City on Thursday evening. A suspected tornado led to extensive damage in Dover, while waterspouts affected areas in Queens and Long Island.
Emergency States Declared in Affected Areas
States of emergency were announced in Dover and Nassau County due to flooding and disrupted travel. Reports indicated significant damage in these regions.
Tornado Impacts Dover
A suspected tornado in Dover caused ‘significant’ damage, according to officials. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) received evidence from a spotter suggesting a rain-wrapped tornado might have hit the city. A thorough damage assessment will confirm its status and severity. Residents were advised to remain indoors following a state of emergency announcement.
“We are seeing significant storm damage throughout the city,” wrote the Delaware Police Department on Facebook.
Waterspouts Affect New York
In New York, NOAA is analyzing damage from two waterspouts. These waterspouts likely affected Southern Queens and Nassau Counties, bringing strong winds and high waves. Initial reports show damage in Atlantic Beach, particularly at Sun and Surf Beach Club, prompting a state of emergency in Nassau County.
Tornado and flash flood alerts were issued for sections of Queens, with videos showing flooded subway stations during heavy rains.
Flight Delays Across Airports
Severe weather conditions led to flight delays at major airports, including Philadelphia International, Newark Liberty, LaGuardia, and JFK. By late evening, these airports reported delays of up to an hour, affecting thousands of flights.
Weather Forecast for Friday
A flood watch remains in effect from Philadelphia to New York City until early Friday morning. The National Weather Service predicts scattered thunderstorms and heavy rain continuing into the night throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, shifting to Virginia and the Carolinas on Friday.