Tornado Watch issued for NYC, Tri-State area, all of New Jersey | Live updates

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Last updated: Tuesday, July 21, 2026 7:01PM GMT
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NEW YORK (WABC) -- A Tornado Watch has been issued for NYC and much of the Tri-State area until 9 p.m.

The watch covers the five boroughs of New York City along with Rockland, Westchester and Nassau counties.

All of New Jersey is under the Tornado Watch.

In Connecticut, the watch includes Fairfield and New Haven counties.

Tornado Warnings have been issues for counties close to New York City in New Jersey, included Bergen, Morris and Passaic counties.

New York City and the Tri-State Area is under an AccuWeather Alert Tuesday as rounds of storm bring heavy rain, damaging winds, flooding and even the potential of an isolated tornado.

The first round of strong storms developed this morning, mainly north and west of New York City. There are reports of serious flooding in northern New Jersey, Westchester and Fairfield counties in Connecticut.

After a break in the afternoon, a second and stronger round of storms is expected between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. Forecasters say that system could produce damaging winds, hail, flooding downpours and an isolated tornado.

RELATED | Watches, warnings and advisories from the National Weather Service

New York City and areas north and west are under a Level 2 out of 5 risk for severe weather, while most of New Jersey is under a Level 3 out of 5 risk.

A Flood Watch is in effect for most of New Jersey and New York City. Forecasters say 1 to 2 inches of rain are possible, with isolated higher totals that could lead to scattered flash flooding.

Stay with ABC 7 and Eyewitness News for the latest updates.

Sonia Rincón Image
8:08 AM GMT

Residents in flood-prone areas of Queens concerned with next round of storms

There's concern that parts of New York City could see the same kind of flash flooding that the area saw this weekend, especially residents in one part of Flushing, Queens.

They say the flooding is so common that they no longer buy nice things. Things that once surrounded them in their living rooms and bedrooms are being crushed up and carted away.

All the first floors of the homes along 153rd Street and Peck Avenue flooded, again, Saturday morning as sewage drains backed up in a deluge of rain.

The New York City Emergency Management commissioner visited the area Saturday afternoon, and Eyewitness News reported from there Saturday night after the flash flood receded. But a mess that happens in a flash can take days to get rid of.

Eyewitness News reporter Sonia Rincon spoke with residents about how they are preparing for the next round of storms.

Sonia Rincon spoke to residents in Flushing, Queens about how they are preparing for Tuesday's storms.
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9:02 AM GMT

Potential rainfall totals for Tri-State area

Meteorologist Lee Goldberg breaks down the potential rainfall totals the Tri-State area could get from Tuesday's storms.

Lee Goldberg breaks down another round of severe thunderstorms that could have a similar impact as storms this past weekend.
8:08 AM GMT

NYCEM activates city's Flash Flood Emergency Plan

NYCEM has activated the city's Flash Flood Emergency Plan.

This proactive approach includes targeted inspection and clearing of catch basins in flood-prone areas by the agencies like the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Transportation to help reduce street flooding before heavy rain begins.

New Yorkers should allow extra travel time during periods of thunderstorms and heavy rain. Do not remain in or return to areas or buildings that are flooding.

8:08 AM GMT

DOB tells contractors and property owners to prepare for severe weather

The DOB is reminding all builders, contractors, crane operators, and property owners to secure their construction sites, buildings, and equipment.

Parts of New York City could experience heavy rain and wind gusts up to 70 mph.

The department will be performing random spot-check inspections of construction sites around the city. If sites are not secured, the department will take immediate enforcement action - issuing violations and Stop Work Orders, where necessary.

Winds may reach higher speeds and last longer than forecast in certain areas of the city.