Tornado warning issued as powerful storms threaten 20 million in Northeast
A tornado warning has been issued as powerful thunderstorms barrel across the Northeast, putting more than 20 million people at risk of dangerous weather.
Forecasters warn the fast-moving system could unleash torrential rain, damaging wind gusts of up to 60 mph and isolated tornadoes as it sweeps through the region.
Parts of New Jersey are already under a Tornado Warning, while Severe Thunderstorm Warnings have been issued across central and northern parts of the state.
Meteorologists say repeated rounds of heavy rain could trigger life-threatening flash flooding, especially in areas already saturated by recent storms.
Much of the New York City metro area remains under a Flood Watch through Wednesday, with widespread rainfall totals of two to five inches expected and isolated communities potentially seeing more than six inches.
The greatest flash flood threat stretches from central New Jersey into the Philadelphia metropolitan area, where forecasters have upgraded the risk to the rare ‘high risk’ category.
The greatest rainfall totals are expected from parts of northern Pennsylvania through the Hudson Valley into much of Massachusetts, where four to eight inches of rain could fall in some communities.
A tornado warning has been issued in parts of New Jersey, it comes less than a week since the state experienced cyclones. Pictured is a cyclone in Parsippany on July 21
The worsening weather has already disrupted daily life, forcing the postponement of Tuesday night’s New York Mets game against the Atlanta Braves because of the approaching storms.
Officials are urging residents to closely monitor weather alerts and move indoors immediately if warnings are issued, warning that conditions could rapidly become dangerous.
AccuWeather expert meteorologist Elizabeth Danco said: ‘This setup has the potential to create significant disruptions.
‘Flooded roads, reduced visibility and delays at the airports can develop quickly when multiple rounds of rain move over the same communities. Conditions can change rapidly, even in areas that don’t receive the heaviest rain first.’
New Jersey is expected to take a direct hit from the storms, prompting Governor Mikie Sherrill to urge residents to remain vigilant and pay close attention to emergency alerts.
‘Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected across New Jersey today, with the potential for flash flooding, high winds and tornadoes,’ Sherrill posted on X.
‘Conditions can change quickly, so please monitor your local forecast and pay attention to emergency alerts. Remember to head indoors if a storm approaches.’
A Tornado Warning was issued for Sussex and Warren counties in New Jersey until 2:15pm, followed by a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for the same area until 3pm.
New York City is expected to see flooding, just days since the last storm dumped rain on the area. Pictured is a storm that hit on July 22
The New York City Emergency Management Department (NYCEM) issued a travel advisory Tuesday, warning residents to prepare for heavy rain, thunderstorms and the potential for localized flooding through Wednesday.
‘If a tornado is approaching and you have no shelter, lie flat in a low-lying area, cover your head, and stay away from trees and vehicles,’ NYCEM said.
‘If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, take shelter immediately. If you must drive, slow down and allow extra travel time. Never drive through standing water or around barricades. If a tornado is nearby, do not try to outrun it in a car.’
The National Weather Service has placed New York City under a Flood Watch from 8am Tuesday until 8pm Wednesday as a slow-moving low-pressure system moves into the region.
Forecasters expect two to five inches of rain across the city through Wednesday morning, with the heaviest downpours likely Tuesday afternoon and evening. Some neighborhoods could receive even higher totals if thunderstorms repeatedly track over the same areas.
Above is flooding in New York City on July 19. The city has experienced mutiple storms in the last week
Officials warned that intense rainfall could quickly overwhelm storm drains, flooding low-lying neighborhoods, roads, highways and underpasses.
The Weather Prediction Center has placed the region under a slight risk for excessive rainfall Tuesday, with a marginal to slight risk continuing into Wednesday.
The city also faces a marginal risk of severe thunderstorms, with the strongest storms capable of producing gusty winds, frequent lightning and torrential downpours.
In preparation, NYC Emergency Management activated the city’s Flash Flood Emergency Plan and is coordinating with the National Weather Service, city and state agencies, utility companies and private-sector partners.
Crews have been clearing catch basins in flood-prone areas, while emergency response teams remain on standby as officials monitor the storm around the clock.
Officials urged New Yorkers to allow extra travel time, avoid driving through flooded roads, secure loose outdoor items before winds increase and move indoors immediately if thunder is heard.
