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Atlantic Beach tornado causes significant damage on Long Island
A rare waterspout that moved ashore as a tornado struck Atlantic Beach on Long Island, causing significant damage to beach clubs and coastal structures on Thursday, August 20, 2026. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman declared a state of emergency to facilitate cleanup efforts following the event.
The tornado primarily impacted the Sun and Surf Beach Club and the Silver Point Beach Club. Reports indicate that approximately 50 cabanas at Sun and Surf were damaged or destroyed, with roofs being torn off and debris scattered across the area. One club employee sustained a minor head injury but did not require hospitalization. Both beach clubs have temporarily closed to assess the damage.
In addition to the tornado, severe storms and heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding across the New York metropolitan area. Flooding impacted subway stations in Manhattan and led to the closure of portions of the Long Island Expressway in Queens. Emergency crews also responded to reports of motorists stranded in vehicles due to flash flooding in the South Shore region.
Entities
Atlantic Beach · Bruce Blakeman · Nassau County · National Weather Service · Silver Point Beach Club · Sun and Surf Beach Club
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Meteorologists suggest the event was likely one or two waterspouts that moved ashore. www.longislandpress.com · www.noticiany.com
- [● 12 SOURCES] Nassau County has declared a state of emergency. offthepress.com · www.longislandpress.com · nypost.com · www.noticiany.com · www.aztecapuebla.com · +7 more
- [● 8 SOURCES] Property damage occurred at Silver Point Beach Club and Sun and Surf. offthepress.com · www.longislandpress.com · nypost.com · www.noticiany.com · pulptastic.com · +3 more
- [● 9 SOURCES] There are no reports of casualties or serious injuries following the tornado. offthepress.com · www.longislandpress.com · nypost.com · www.noticiany.com · pulptastic.com · +4 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] Silver Point Beach Club and Sun and Surf Beach Club are temporarily closed due to damage. www.longislandpress.com · www.noticiany.com · nahoradanoticia.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] Approximately 50 cabanas were damaged or destroyed at Sun and Surf. www.guvengazetesi.com.tr · pulptastic.com · nahoradanoticia.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] One club employee sustained a minor head injury during the storm. www.guvengazetesi.com.tr · pulptastic.com · nahoradanoticia.com.br
- [● 2 SOURCES] Heavy rain and flooding caused parts of the Long Island Expressway in Queens to close. www.guvengazetesi.com.tr · mymotherlode.com