2020 is messing with us in a lot of ways, and that even includes the weather.
After snow in NYC last weekend, high spring temps in the 80s are coming early tomorrow, May 15, along with potentially severe thunderstorms.
NBC 4’s Storm Team has reported that the biggest threat of the storms—which will come through Friday evening—is damaging winds, but that there is a chance of hail and potential tornados. They said Northern New Jersey and the Hudson Valley are at the greatest risks for those things, but the overall probability is still low.
“Virtually the entire tri-state area faces some threat of potentially severe weather,” they wrote. “New York City is on the cusp of the ‘more likely’ zone, which extends primarily north and west of the five boroughs.”
⚠️ Severe Weather Risk has been *upgraded* for the tri-state on Friday PM. Biggest threat remains damaging winds, but large hail and tornadoes are possible. #NYwx #NJwx #CTwx pic.twitter.com/kbFG8f2EVM
— Storm Team 4 NY (@StormTeam4NY) May 14, 2020
On Twitter, they assured social media followers that for severe hail and even the possibility of tornadoes, “The chances are low for NYC, but we still want everyone prepared for severe weather that could cause damage.” They said “the greatest risk of severe weather will be north/west of NYC.”
According to the National Weather Service’s Severe Weather Threat, NYC sits in a 2% probability for tornadoes, a 5% probability for damaging winds, and 5% chance of large hail:
There is an enhanced potential for severe weather on Friday across parts of the Northeast. Damaging wind gusts are expected to be the main threat, but a few tornadoes are also possible, as well as large hail. pic.twitter.com/DHwWvHiFIt
— NWS Eastern Region (@NWSEastern) May 14, 2020
If a tornado warning is issued, Notify NYC normally encourages New Yorkers to take shelter on lower floor and stay away from windows.
featured image source: Photo by Timo Wagner on Unsplash