NEW YORK CITY— Severe thunderstorms could bring damaging winds, heavy rain and a possible isolated tornado to New York City on Friday, followed by a sharp drop in temperatures that will bring a chilly weekend to the region.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration placed New York City under a Level 2 out of 5 risk for severe thunderstorms.
A line of storms could produce wind gusts of 50 to 60 miles per hour across the region.
The strongest winds could knock down tree limbs, damage property and disrupt travel.
The greatest threat is expected during the evening commute, when heavy rain and thunderstorms could affect the region between 6 and 9 p.m.
The main threat should develop Friday afternoon, with the heaviest rain and greatest chance of severe thunderstorms expected between 6 and 9 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.
The storms will accompany a cold front moving through the Northeast.
Forecast models project about half an inch of rain across much of the New York City region by Saturday morning.
Rain could linger into early Saturday.
Temperatures will tumble Saturday as cooler air moves into the region behind the cold front.
Saturday's high will reach only about 53 degrees, with brisk northwest winds gusting up to 30 miles per hour.
Temperatures will fall into the low 40s Saturday night, making it feel colder outdoors.
Sunday will bring sunshine and a slight recovery, with a high near 58 degrees. Overnight temperatures will drop to around 45 degrees.
Forecasters are monitoring another storm system developing across the southeastern United States that could bring additional rain to the region by Monday.
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