A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for the New York City area tonight through 9 p.m. EDT, with damaging winds, hail, and torrential downpours the primary threats, according to the National Weather Service. The watch began at 2:10 p.m. and covers most of the Tri-State Area, with CBS News New York warning that any storms that develop could produce flash flooding and a slim chance of tornadoes.
The strongest storms could bring wind gusts capable of downing trees and power lines, along with hail and heavy rain. A heat advisory remains in effect through 7 p.m., with heat indices near 100 degrees across sections of the Tri-State Area including New York City, northeastern New Jersey, coastal Fairfield County, most of Long Island, and Westchester and Rockland counties, according to CBS News New York.
Severe thunderstorms form when warm, moist air near the ground rises rapidly into cooler areas of the atmosphere, creating cumulonimbus clouds, according to NOAA. The National Weather Service classifies a thunderstorm as severe when it produces wind gusts of at least 58 mph, hail with a diameter of one inch or greater, or a tornado.
New York City has experienced similar severe weather recently. On July 18, 2026, severe thunderstorms swept through the region, with damaging winds and flash flooding prompting the National Weather Service to confirm an EF-1 tornado with peak winds of 95 mph. Multiple rounds of storms on July 21 brought damaging winds in the 60 to 75 mph range, according to the New York Daily News and NBC New York. Those July storms caused widespread wind damage, downed trees, and power outages across the region.
Tonight’s storms are expected to diminish after sunset, according to CBS News New York. The Tri-State Area will remain under daily storm chances and high humidity through Thursday, with a pattern change arriving Friday that will bring lower humidity and highs in the upper 70s to low 80s — a marked shift from the current heat and storm threat.
Residents are advised to monitor weather alerts and prepare for possible power outages. LaGuardia Airport faces severe weather disruptions and flight cancellations and delays disrupt 2,200+ US flights amid Northeast storms, so travelers should check with airlines before heading to the airport.
Sources
- CBS News New York — severe thunderstorm watch details, heat advisory, hazards, and forecast timeline
- National Weather Service New York — watch timing, classification criteria for severe thunderstorms, and precedent events
- NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) — thunderstorm formation mechanism and ingredients
- New York Daily News — July 21 severe weather and damaging wind details
- NBC New York — July precedent and wind gust information
