Heavy rain and strong winds pounded the Northeast U.S. on Thursday as severe storms tore through a Long Island beach, stranded dozens of motorists in New Jersey, and knocked out power in parts of Delaware’s capital city.
Photos and video shared on social media showed debris thrown into the air and pummeling rain as a possible tornado touched down at Atlantic Beach on Long Island’s outer barrier. The storm tore apart a major beach club, leaving broken beach chairs and wood beams littered across the shoreline.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said there were no reports of serious injuries or deaths, but noted damage to property as a search team checked to ensure no one was trapped inside the cabanas. He declared a state of emergency.
“There are reports of people trapped in their vehicles due to flooding in the south shore, and first responders are assisting in their rescue,” he said in a statement.
Following significant damage to its buildings, the Sun and Surf Beach Club temporarily closed its venue as well as nearby Silver Point…