A Rare Tornado Confirmed in New York City

Thursday night’s weather proved to be quite turbulent in the New York metropolitan area.  A number of powerful thunderstorms marched across the region.  One storm appeared to have rotation, and the National Weather Service issued a Tornado Warning around 10:20 pm EDT.  The warned area included the Bronx, Queens, and Nassau County on Long Island.  Well over two million people were in the warned area.  After the thunderstorm roared through, reports of downed trees and power lines began to surface in Queens.  The storm also peeled siding off several homes.  A tornado was the suspected cause of the damage.

Tornado Warning including Queens NY, The Bronx NY, Hicksville NY until 10:45 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/mKcgS04sLM

— NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) August 3, 2018

Earlier today, the National Weather Service surveyed the damage.  They confirmed an EF-O tornado touched down near St. Fidelis Catholic Church on 14th avenue, in the College Point Station of Queens.  Winds were estimated to be 70 to 85 mph.  The path of the tornado was three-quarters of a mile long, and a hundred yards wide.  The National Weather Service stated that the tornado strengthened as it moved toward Powell’s Cove Park.  It moved along the shoreline and dissipated just before reaching 138th Street.

How rare was this weather event?  It’s only the seventh confirmed tornado in New York City since 2010.  So a pretty rare occurrence indeed!

More storms are in the forecast for Friday afternoon and evening.  The greatest threat for severe storms will be to the north and west of New York City.  Damaging straight-line winds are possible, along with a small chance for more weak tornadoes.  However, strong storms are still possible for the Tri-State area, including New York City.  Stay tuned for what could be another wild weather ride!

For WeatherNation TV:  Meteorologist Matt Monroe