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

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.