New Yorkers received urgent instructions to take shelter immediately on Thursday evening after a tornado warning was issued for Queens and other parts of New York.
An unusual weather spectacle for New York City, waterspouts — which trigger tornado warnings once they go onshore — hit parts of Long Island and the city as strong winds and rained whipped through the region.
The National Weather Service said that two waterspouts came onshore between 6:30 and 7 p.m. on Thursday, one in Queens and another in Nassau County.
The waterspouts — funnels of air and water mist — hit parts of the eastern Rockaways and Atlantic Beach, the weather service reported. Friday morning, the weather service classified the weather event near Atlantic Beach as a tornado.
Social media videos showed large funnels rotating in the sky, mostly near the beach.
Nassau County NY. A mile from Queens. WILD. pic.twitter.com/cBmh9qPrkU
— Rob Schmitt (@SchmittNYC) August 21, 2026
🌪 Stay Indoors: A tornado warning was issued for areas near Far Rockaway and the 5 Towns a bit ago.
— 5TownsCentral (@5TownsCentral) August 20, 2026
This tornado was reportedly taken just now in Far Rockaway.
Please stay indoors and go into the basement if possible.
Be safe! pic.twitter.com/bte6VX5xqo
The NWS said that the eastern Rockaways waterspout that came onshore was "short-lived," with no damage reported as of Thursday night.
The waterspout in Atlantic Beach hit Sun and Surf Beach Club, according to the resort. The beach club said that significant damage was caused to numerous cabanas and buildings.
NYC, there is potential for a tornado in Southeast Queens.
— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) August 20, 2026
If you receive an emergency alert that a tornado is possible in your area, seek shelter immediately. Tornado winds are extremely strong and dangerous, and conditions can change quickly.
Sign up for emergency alerts by… https://t.co/SQS57GfWV4
NWS reported that the radar showed the Atlantic Beach waterspout survived on land longer.
In New York City, multiple roadways closed during the flooding, such as the Brooklyn Queens Expressway and parts of the Long Island Expressway.
Our infrastructure cannot withstand the weather events in our future (or present, apparently).
— Shaun Abreu (@ShaunAbreu) August 21, 2026
This video was taken at the 137th 1-train station half an hour after the rain started. Our future depends on our willingness to invest in climate-resilient mass transit. pic.twitter.com/6OxklY7rmE
Social media video also showed rain leaking into subway stations and flooded streets. Around two to three inches of rain were reported, according to the New York Times.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Water spouts, tornado hit New York City area in wild Thursday storm
