Tornado watch issued as flash floods slam NYC metro
A tornado watch has been issued for New Jersey as flash flood warnings hit the NYC metro area Saturday, with the National Weather Service rating much of the tri-state a level 3 of 5 for severe weather. Expect flooding rain, 65 mph-plus winds, and isolated tornadoes as storms clear Canadian wildfire smoke.
Key Takeaways
- A tornado watch covers New Jersey while flash flood warnings have been issued for parts of New York City and New Jersey.
- The National Weather Service rates much of the tri-state at level 3 of 5 for severe weather, with rainfall rates that could top 2 inches an hour.
- Damaging winds of 65 mph or more are expected, and isolated tornadoes remain possible, especially in New Jersey, the Poconos, and the Catskills.
- Canadian wildfire smoke pushed New York City air quality to an AQI of 173 Saturday morning before storms were forecast to help clear the haze.
- The greatest severe weather window is roughly 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., with the threat possibly lingering until around midnight.
What is happening with the tornado watch right now?
According to NBC New York, a vigorous storm system is bringing strong-to-severe thunderstorms to the NYC area from late morning through evening. A tornado watch has been issued for New Jersey as flash floods slam the metro region.
Forecasters say multiple threats are in play: a high chance of isolated tornadoes, flash flooding, and damaging straight-line wind that is described as extremely likely. Hail is also possible with the system.
ABC7 New York reported a Flash Flood Warning for parts of New York City and New Jersey through 2 p.m. as the first powerful storms moved through northern New Jersey and the city. New Jersey, New York City, and southern Westchester were also under a flood watch ahead of additional storms.
Where is the flooding and wind risk highest?
NBC New York says those most at risk of flooding include North and Central New Jersey through Metro New York City, Long Island, and coastal Connecticut. Rainfall rates could top 2 inches an hour, raising flash-flood risk in coastal and low-lying areas.
The strongest thunderstorms are projected to impact the Poconos, Catskills, and New Jersey, where the greatest tornado and straight-line wind risk is concentrated. Severe thunderstorm and flash flood warnings have been widespread across the region.
Why does this weather matter for your health?
Saturday began with a different hazard: Canadian wildfire smoke that returned after a Friday reprieve. ABC7 reported an air quality index of 173 early Saturday, a level considered unhealthy for everyone, not only people with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
Fine particle pollution can cause shortness of breath, coughing, dizziness, or fatigue and can aggravate heart and lung diseases. Guidance includes limiting outdoor activity, wearing an N95 mask if you must go outside, and keeping indoor air cleaner with closed windows and an air purifier or air conditioner. Readers following recovery and resilience topics can also browse BlasterPost longevity and biohacking coverage for related wellness context.
Gov. Kathy Hochul urged New Yorkers to take the weather seriously, noting that rain may ease poor air quality but can also bring severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes. She advised checking trusted forecasts and checking on friends and family who may need help.
When should you expect the worst conditions?
ABC7 said scattered showers were expected to develop during the afternoon, with the greatest risk for severe weather between about 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. The threat could linger until around midnight before a cold front clears the area.
NBC New York notes the storms are also expected to blow out the Canadian wildfire smoke that has choked the tri-state in recent days, clearing the system ahead of Sunday's World Cup final. Residents in warned areas should avoid driving through flooded roadways and stay weather-aware as conditions change quickly.