Summary (tl;dr)

New York City and much of the Tri-State Area are currently under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch, with forecasters warning of damaging winds, large hail, and a risk of flash flooding and isolated tornadoes throughout Thursday, August 27, 2026.

Essential Background

The Summer 2026 forecast for New York City had already predicted a "volatile mix" of historic heat and severe thunderstorms, with a higher-than-average chance for above-normal temperatures for June, July, and August. The region has already experienced severe weather events this summer, including tornado watches and flash flood watches in July and another travel advisory for heavy rain and thunderstorms on August 20, 2026.

The Full Story

As of Thursday, August 27, 2026, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for numerous counties across southeastern New York, all of New Jersey, much of eastern Pennsylvania, and southwestern Connecticut, remaining in effect until 8 p.m. EDT. This watch includes New York City, the lower Hudson Valley, and Nassau County on Long Island. A Flash Flood Warning is also in effect for parts of New Jersey (Essex, Hudson, Union Counties) and New York (Richmond County) until 3:30 p.m. Additionally, a Flood Watch has been issued for most of the Tri-State Area, including New York City, from noon to 11 p.m.

The National Weather Service anticipates that strong thunderstorms could develop, producing damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph, large hail, and even isolated tornadoes. Heavy rainfall rates, potentially reaching 1 to 3 inches per hour, could lead to flash flooding, especially in urban and low-lying areas. New York City Emergency Management has issued a travel advisory, urging commuters to allow extra travel time and avoid flooded roads.

Why It Matters

This severe weather event is significant due to the potential for widespread disruption and danger. Damaging winds and large hail can cause property damage and power outages, while flash flooding poses a serious risk to lives and infrastructure, particularly in densely populated urban areas like New York City. Travel is expected to be significantly impacted during the afternoon and evening commute, raising concerns for commuter safety and potential delays. The risk of isolated tornadoes, though secondary, adds another layer of serious concern for residents in the watch areas.

Geographic Location

• New York City, New York, United States (Severe Thunderstorm Watch, Flood Watch, Flash Flood Warning in Richmond County)
• Bronx County, New York, United States (Severe Thunderstorm Watch)
• Kings County (Brooklyn), New York, United States (Severe Thunderstorm Watch)
• New York County (Manhattan), New York, United States (Severe Thunderstorm Watch)
• Queens County, New York, United States (Severe Thunderstorm Watch)
• Nassau County, New York, United States (Severe Thunderstorm Watch, Flood Watch)
• Orange County, New York, United States (Severe Thunderstorm Watch)
• Putnam County, New York, United States (Severe Thunderstorm Watch)
• Rockland County, New York, United States (Severe Thunderstorm Watch)
• Westchester County, New York, United States (Severe Thunderstorm Watch)
• Lower Hudson Valley, New York, United States (Severe Thunderstorm Watch, Flood Watch)
• Bergen County, New Jersey, United States (Severe Thunderstorm Watch)
• Essex County, New Jersey, United States (Severe Thunderstorm Watch, Flash Flood Warning)
• Hudson County, New Jersey, United States (Severe Thunderstorm Watch, Flash Flood Warning)
• Hunterdon County, New Jersey, United States (Severe Thunderstorm Watch)
• Mercer County, New Jersey, United States (Severe Thunderstorm Watch)
• Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States (Severe Thunderstorm Watch)
• Morris County, New Jersey, United States (Severe Thunderstorm Watch)
• Ocean County, New Jersey, United States (Severe Thunderstorm Watch)
• Passaic County, New Jersey, United States (Severe Thunderstorm Watch)
• Somerset County, New Jersey, United States (Severe Thunderstorm Watch)
• Sussex County, New Jersey, United States (Severe Thunderstorm Watch)
• Union County, New Jersey, United States (Severe Thunderstorm Watch, Flash Flood Warning)
• Warren County, New Jersey, United States (Severe Thunderstorm Watch)
• Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States (Severe Thunderstorm Watch, Flood Watch)