Possible Tornado Reported In Westchester As Tornado Watch, Flash Flood Warnings Continue

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — Officials are urging residents to take immediate action in the face of an urgent weather threat.

The National Weather Service issued a Tornado Watch for Westchester County through 9 p.m. tonight. A Flash Flood Warning has also been issued through 6:45 p.m. tonight.

Subscribe

SEE: Sinkhole Blocks 2 Northbound Lanes On I-684 In Westchester County: NYS DOT

According to the NWS, "This is a dangerous and life-threatening situation. Do not attempt to travel unless you are fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order."

Fox News Meteorologist Rachel Frank reports that a tornado likely touched down in Rye Brook on the Greenwich border around 4:10 p.m. before lifting.

During this period, Westchester County could see severe weather conditions, including heavy winds and rain, severe thunderstorms and flooding.

Tornadoes are capable of destroying structures, uprooting trees, and causing significant damage.

If you are in a Tornado Warning area:

• Know your safe location — ideally an interior room or a basement, unless it is susceptible to flooding.
• Stay away from windows.
• If you are outside, seek shelter inside of a sturdy building if a tornado is approaching. Sheds and storage containers are not considered safe structures.
• Know the signs of a tornado, including dark or green skies, a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud, and loud or roaring sounds.
• Be ready to act quickly if the Tornado Watch is upgraded to a Tornado Warning, or you suspect a tornado is approaching.

If you see a tornado and you are in a car, it is important to pull over and seek the nearest shelter immediately. If you cannot exit your car, pull over, lower your head as best as possible and try and stay away from car windows.

If you are in a Flash Flood Warning area:

• Remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
• Never attempt to drive through flooded streets or barricades.
• Avoid flood-prone areas, such as the Bronx River Parkway, Saw Mill River Parkway, and Sprain Brook Parkway.
• Keep emergency alert notifications turned on at all times, and continue monitoring weather alerts as conditions can change quickly.

Due to flooding, the Bronx River Parkway is closed from the Sprain Brook Parkway split in Yonkers to the Westchester County Center in White Plains. There is also flooding on the northbound BRP at Oak Street in Mount Vernon.

Motorists should use considerable caution on all roadways this evening due to flooding or ponding conditions in numerous locations in Westchester.

In a true emergency, dial 911.