Two rare tornadoes struck New York City on Thursday; NWS confirms twisters, one near JFK Airport and another in Atlantic Beach, causing minor damage and at least one injury

Two rare tornadoes struck New York City on Thursday, confirmed by the National Weather Service, with one near JFK Airport and another in Atlantic Beach, causing minor damage and at least one injury. This marks the 12th confirmed tornado in the city since 1950.

CuriousCats Full Story

Two tornadoes struck New York City on Thursday evening, confirmed by the National Weather Service (NWS), as severe thunderstorms swept through the region.¹

The first tornado occurred southeast of John F. Kennedy International Airport, while the second touched down in Atlantic Beach, just outside city limits.⁵

Local reports indicated that the Atlantic Beach tornado caused minor damage and resulted in at least one injury.⁶

This event is particularly notable as it marks the 12th confirmed tornado in New York City since official records began in 1950, highlighting the rarity of such occurrences within the city.⁷

The storms that spawned these tornadoes were part of a potent cluster that moved into the area just after dinnertime, bringing with them severe weather conditions.

The NWS's confirmation adds to the limited number of tornadoes recorded within New York's city limits, emphasizing the unusual nature of this weather phenomenon.

Key Insight

“The tornado near JFK Airport marks the 12th twister confirmed in New York City proper since official records began in 1950. The storms also spawned several waterspouts off the region's southern shores, two of which came ashore as full-fledged tornadoes.”