Severe Storms Bring Tornado and Flood Risks to New York, New Jersey and Connecticut

The National Weather Service has placed much of the New York-New Jersey-Connecticut region at level 3 of five for severe weather risk as a strong storm system moves across the area. Forecasts call for isolated tornadoes, flash flooding and damaging straight-line winds exceeding 65 mph, along with the possibility of hail.

The most intense thunderstorms are expected to affect the Poconos, Catskills and northern New Jersey, where the likelihood of tornadoes and straight-line wind damage is highest. Widespread severe thunderstorm and flash-flood warnings have been issued for those areas.

Coastal and low-lying zones in north and central New Jersey, the New York City metropolitan area, Long Island and coastal Connecticut are identified as the most vulnerable to flooding from heavy rain showers.

The system is also expected to disperse lingering Canadian wildfire smoke over the tri-state region, and a cold front will move in ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final.

"The strongest thunderstorms are projected to impact the Poconos, Catskills, and New Jersey; that's where we see the greatest tornado and straight-line wind risk," a National Weather Service spokesperson said.

Residents are advised to monitor updates and follow local emergency instructions as the storm progresses from late morning through the evening.