A series of severe storms is heading toward the New York region, causing possible damage.
Although New York City has seen conditions briefly dry out and warm up this afternoon, strong storms spawned by an approaching cold front will push through from the west, reaching the Big Apple in the evening.
The same system responsible for the outbreak of deadly severe weather across parts of the Mississippi River Valley and the Midwest will continue to head east, eventually reaching our area at that time.
The storms will swing from west to east between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. this afternoon, bringing heavy downpours, gusty winds, and hail.
As a result, the Severe Storms Prediction Center increased the critical weather threat in New York City tonight to enhanced risk, moving from level 3 to 5, for the first time since May 2022.
Overall, the threat of hurricane-force winds remains high, with possible gusts in excess of 60 mph.
Although storms could generate hail and even one or two small tornadoes.
Strong winds alone could bring down trees and power lines, causing numerous power outages.
Plan ahead. Charge your phones and other necessary electronics, and make sure your flashlight batteries aren’t dead.
However, given the intensity of the front itself, along with the right ingredients and ample energy ahead, this should be enough to keep the storms strong as they move through the city.
In any case, all New Yorkers with plans for tonight should stay alert and pay close attention to the latest forecasts.
Once the storms recede tonight, temperatures will drop due to strong northwesterly winds bringing cool air back into the region overnight.
Despite the clearer skies, Sunday will be a windy and cool day, with highs barely reaching 50 degrees.
