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Blakeman Declares Emergency After EF-1 Tornado Strikes Atlantic Beach

8/22/2026

32 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Blakeman Declares Emergency

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman declared a state of emergency after an EF-1 tornado hit Atlantic Beach.
The EF-1 tornado produced 97 mph winds, destroying 30–50 beach cabanas.
Roughly 30 parked cars had shattered windows while one employee suffered minor injuries.
First responders rescued trapped drivers as flash flooding closed portions of the Long Island Expressway for hours.

Summary

Baumert Reopens Soon

Club owner Billy Baumert says he hopes to reopen Sun & Surf before Labor Day.
Sun & Surf Beach Club has served families as a community fixture since 1948.
Survivor Elizabeth, 60, described being trapped in her cabana when the tornado struck.
Volunteer Jill Kaplan organized bulldozer cleanup and praised the community’s swift response.
Club president Billy Baumert warned that a delayed reopening would disappoint many members.

History

Historical Context

Today's EF-1 tornado on Long Island repeats the July 3, 1998 storm that ripped apart Atlantic Beach and damaged 42 beach structures. The island’s tornado record grew with six tornadoes on November 13, 2021—the first November outbreak on the South Shore—showing a rising pattern. Nassau executives Thomas Gulotta and Bruce Blakeman have both ordered emergency funds and tighter building codes.

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Blakeman Declares Emergency

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman declared a state of emergency after an EF-1 tornado hit Atlantic Beach.
The EF-1 tornado produced 97 mph winds, destroying 30–50 beach cabanas.
Roughly 30 parked cars had shattered windows while one employee suffered minor injuries.
First responders rescued trapped drivers as flash flooding closed portions of the Long Island Expressway for hours.

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