Tornado Watch Issued For NYC As Isaias Approaches

NEW YORK CITY – A tornado watch has been issued Tuesday for New York City as Tropical Storm Isaias approaches with wind gusts up to 70 mph and drenching rainfall.

The storm was moving over Virginia shortly after 6 a.m. and had already left 300,000 people in that state without power. It was expected to reach NYC later in the morning.

Isaias hit land at Ocean Isle Beach in North Carolina as a Category 1 hurricane at 11:10 p.m. Monday, packing 85 mph winds and pushing a storm surge of 5 feet, according to the National Hurricane Center. Thousands of homes in that state were left without power.

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Now a tropical storm, it's expected to reach the New York City area Tuesday afternoon and evening. The city is under a tropical storm warning, and the National Weather Service is now expecting up to 5 inches of rain.

The tornado watch is in place until 4 p.m. Tuesday in all five boroughs.

"Isaias will slowly weaken as it accelerates northeast today, likely moving over our area this afternoon and evening. However, confidence continues to increase with respect to the magnitude of local hazards and impacts," the NWS said.

"The main threats with this system involve heavy rainfall, strong winds, minor to moderate coastal flooding, along with high surf and dangerous rip currents. Additionally, a few tornadoes are possible."

New York City has made special preparations for storm surges in Lower Manhattan, an area devastated by rising water levels during Superstorm Sandy in 2012.

The NWS gave the following advice:

• Now is the time to check your emergency plan and emergency supplies kit, and take necessary actions to protect your family and secure your home or business.
• Keep cell phones well charged. Cell phone chargers for automobiles can be helpful, but be aware of your risk for deadly carbon monoxide poisoning if your car is left idling in a garage or other poorly ventilated area.
• Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-prone area, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a flooded roadway. Remember the phrase: "Turn Around Don't Drown!"
• Storm surge is the leading killer associated with tropical storms and hurricanes. Make sure you are in a safe area away from the surge zone. Even if you are not in a surge prone area, you could find yourself cut off by flood waters during and after the storm. Heed evacuation orders issued by local authorities.
• If in a place that is vulnerable to high winds, such as near large trees, a mobile home, upper floors of a high rise building, or on a boat, consider moving to a safer shelter before the onset of strong winds or flooding.
• If a tornado warning is issued for your area, be ready to shelter quickly, preferably away from windows and in an interior room not prone to flooding. If driving, scan the roadside for quick shelter options.
• Closely monitor http://weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather warnings.