A flash flood warning is in effect for Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens until 7:15 p.m. Tuesday as severe storms move into New York City, while a tornado watch remains in effect across all five boroughs until 9 p.m., officials said.
The National Weather Service said 1 to 2 inches of heavy rain could cause flooding on highways, streets and underpasses, as well as in low-lying areas and places with poor drainage.
The flash flood warning was also extended to the Bronx and Queens until 7:30 p.m. as the storms started disrupting travel. Flooding was causing delays on the Major Deegan Expressway near West 234th Street in the Bronx, while a fallen tree closed all northbound lanes of the Henry Hudson Parkway approaching West 66th Street, according to city officials.
Officials urged people in basements to move to the highest floor possible and warned drivers not to enter flooded roadways.
NYC Emergency Management issued the tornado watch Tuesday afternoon, saying conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop. The agency said tornadoes are rare in New York City but that atmospheric conditions Tuesday could allow one to form.
A tornado watch does not mean a tornado has been spotted. If the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning, that means a tornado has been detected by radar or observed and people in the affected area should take shelter immediately, officials said.
City emergency officials advised New Yorkers to identify a safe place in advance, preferably an interior room on the lowest floor of a building and away from windows. Officials also urged residents to keep emergency alerts enabled on their phones and monitor Notify NYC for updates.
The flash flood warning comes amid a broader flood watch for the city. Forecasters have warned that some areas could receive several inches of rain and that the strongest storms could produce damaging wind gusts and small hail.
Westchester County is also under a flash flood warning until 6:45 p.m. and a tornado watch until 9 p.m., according to county officials.
In New Jersey, state offices closed at 2 p.m. Tuesday because of the approaching severe weather. Gov. Mikie Sherrill warned that heavy rainfall could cause flash flooding, particularly in low-lying areas and places with poor drainage.
This is a developing story and may be updated.
