NWS calls it a tornado. Atlantic Beach took the only confirmed touchdown.

The National Weather Service has confirmed a tornado at Atlantic Beach, on the south shore of Long Island. It started as a waterspout offshore, then came onto land Thursday evening. This desk is using the weather service's word, not a local rumor.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said Friday the touchdown was about 7:11 p.m. at the Sun and Surf Beach Club. He called the damage extensive and said there were no serious injuries. A county state of emergency tied to the storms was lifted Friday morning.

Inwood Fire Department figures, reported locally, put about 50 cabanas damaged or destroyed across the club. One employee had a minor head injury and refused treatment. Some earlier fire-marshal counts said 30. This desk is not reconciling those two numbers from the beach. News 12 said Silver Point Beach Club was hit as well. Both clubs were closed after.

NWS New York said this is the first confirmed tornado in Nassau County since 2021. Strength has not been rated. A second circulation about a mile east, toward the Five Towns and the Rockaways, is still under review. No damage has been tied to that one.