Severe Storms Ravage Delaware and New York City Area

Severe storms struck parts of Delaware and the New York City area on Thursday evening. A likely tornado caused major damage in Dover, while two waterspouts affected Queens and Long Island.

Emergency Declarations

Officials declared states of emergency in Dover, Delaware, and Nassau County, New York. The storms led to flooding, travel disruptions, and reports of damage in both areas.

Damage in Dover

Dover, Delaware’s capital, experienced significant storm damage. According to officials, a likely tornado hit the city. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) received reports and videos from a trained spotter confirming a rain-wrapped tornado in Dover. A damage assessment will confirm if the storm reached tornado status and its severity.

City officials issued a state of emergency shortly after 6 p.m. ET, advising residents to stay indoors and avoid travel. The Delaware Police Department reported significant damage throughout the city on Facebook.

Waterspouts in New York

In New York, the NOAA is examining damage from two waterspouts. These swirling bands form over water, delivering strong winds and stirring up waves. They possibly impacted the Eastern Rockaways and Atlantic Beach in southern Queens and Nassau Counties between 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. ET.

Initial reports from Atlantic Beach indicate damage from one of the waterspouts. Photos show damage at Atlantic City’s Sun and Surf Beach Club. Nassau County also declared a state of emergency on Thursday.

Tornado and flash flood warnings affected parts of Queens. In Manhattan, social media videos showed subway stations flooded as heavy rains hit during the evening commute.

Flight Disruptions

Severe weather caused grounded flights at Philadelphia International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and John F. Kennedy International Airport on Thursday evening. As of 10 p.m. ET, delays of about one hour continued. FlightAware reported approximately 6,750 delayed flights and nearly 850 cancellations across the U.S. by late Thursday.

Weather Forecast

A flood watch remains active from Philadelphia to New York City until 2 a.m. Friday. According to the National Weather Service, scattered severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are possible into the night in the Mid-Atlantic. Rain is expected to move to Virginia and the Carolinas on Friday.

For further information, contact Newsweek editors: Edward T. Cummins.