A tornado warning was issued as powerful thunderstorms swept across the Northeast on Tuesday, putting more than 20 million people at risk of dangerous weather.
Forecasters warned the fast-moving system could bring torrential rain, wind gusts of up to 60 mph and isolated tornadoes as it moved through the region. Parts of New Jersey were placed under a Tornado Warning, while Severe Thunderstorm Warnings covered central and northern parts of the state.
Meteorologists said repeated rounds of heavy rain could trigger life-threatening flash flooding in areas already saturated by recent storms.
Much of the New York City metro area was placed under a Flood Watch through Wednesday, with rainfall totals of two to five inches expected and isolated communities potentially seeing more than six inches. The greatest flash flood threat stretched from central New Jersey into the Philadelphia metropolitan area, where forecasters upgraded the risk to the rare "high risk" category.
The heaviest rainfall was 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.
The worsening weather had already disrupted daily life. Tuesday night's New York Mets game against the Atlanta Braves was postponed because of the approaching storms.
AccuWeather expert meteorologist Elizabeth Danco said "this setup has the potential to create significant disruptions." She added: "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 Under Direct Threat
New Jersey was expected to take a direct hit from the storms, prompting Governor Mikie Sherrill to urge residents to remain vigilant. "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," she wrote.
A Tornado Warning was issued for Sussex and Warren counties in New Jersey until 2:15 p.m., followed by a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for the same area until 3 p.m.
New York City Braces for Flooding
The New York City Emergency Management Department 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," the department 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 placed New York City under a Flood Watch from 8 a.m. Tuesday until 8 p.m. Wednesday as a slow-moving low-pressure system moved into the region. Forecasters expected two to five inches of rain across the city through Wednesday morning, with the heaviest downpours likely Tuesday afternoon and evening.
The Weather Prediction Center placed the region under a slight risk for excessive rainfall Tuesday, with a marginal to slight risk continuing into Wednesday. The city also faced 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 coordinated with the National Weather Service, city and state agencies, utility companies and private-sector partners. Crews cleared catch basins in flood-prone areas, while emergency response teams remained on standby as officials monitored 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.
