The National Weather Service is expected to survey storm damage in Atlantic Beach Friday morning after a possible tornado tore through the area, leaving the Sun and Surf Beach Club heavily damaged.
More than 30 cabanas that had been occupied by over 100 guests were destroyed at the beach club, and it remains unclear when the property will reopen.
A spinning column of air and water was spotted Thursday evening in both Atlantic Beach and the eastern Rockaways. The NWS is now investigating whether a waterspout moved onto land in Atlantic Beach, which would classify it as a tornado.
Those inside the Sun and Surf described terrifying moments as powerful winds shook the building and sent furniture and debris flying.
“The noise was frightening, you could hear the wind, it was extremely violent,” Sun and Surf board member Richard Accarino said.
One person suffered a minor head injury. First responders searched the damaged area Thursday night to make sure no one was trapped.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is expected to hold a news conference at 8 a.m. Friday with an update on the storm damage.
About 2,000 customers on Long Island remained without power early Friday morning