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Tornado Warnings for NYC, Although Thunderstorms with Whipping Winds and Hail are More Likely

Meteorologists warned of an isolated tornado perhaps touching down in the five boroughs or its suburbs Wednesday as the strange and dangerous local weather stretched into a second day.

(TNS) - Brace yourselves, New Yorkers: The long-shot possibility of a Kansas-style twister is in the forecast.

Meteorologists warned of an isolated tornado perhaps touching down in the five boroughs or its suburbs Wednesday as the strange and dangerous local weather stretched into a second day.

Golf ball-sized hail pounded Staten Island on Tuesday night as powerful thunderstorms dumped rain across the region. Things could get even worse Wednesday as the National Weather Service issued a hazardous weather outlook statement for the city, Long Island and northeast New Jersey.

“A chance of strong to severe thunderstorms developing late (Wednesday) afternoon into the evening,” read the NWS statement. “The main threat will be damaging winds and large hail. However, an isolated tornado is possible. Localized flooding is possible as well.”

NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito advised New Yorkers to remain alert as the forecast raised the possibility of dangerous travel conditions, including flash flooding, from the rush hour into the night.

“New Yorkers should stay inside during periods of severe weather,” said Esposito. “If you are outside during a thunderstorm, avoid open areas and immediately seek shelter indoors.”

The latest NWS forecast predicted thunderstorms, with some accompanied by small hail, gusting winds and heavy rain followed by patchy fog into Thursday.

A possible tornado touched down Tuesday in Stanhope, N.J., knocking out power to most of the town 45 miles west of New York. The façade near the front door of Lenape Valley Regional High School was damaged, and four people escaped injury when a falling tree struck their car.

The strongest recorded tornado to ever hit New York arrived in August 2007, striking Staten Island and the Brooklyn neighborhoods of Sunset Park and Bay Ridge. It was the first tornado to strike Brooklyn since 1889.

Staten Island was previously hit by tornadoes in 1990, 1995 and 2003 — all inflicting just minor damage.

The expected severe weather was already causing flight disruptions at both Newark and LaGuardia Airports, with travelers advised to check with their airlines about flight status, according to the Port Authority.

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