# Why Tornadoes Struck Near New York City

Atmospheric conditions led to two rare twisters in Long Island and Queens.

- **Source:** [Scientific American Content: Global](https://brifing.si/source/4f066134-e06d-4415-87ef-305e3dc2aba6)
- **Published:** 2026-08-21
- **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business)
- **Original article:** <https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-tornadoes-touched-down-near-new-york-city/>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/2d9616d4-07ed-4257-9b08-7e63925664ec

## Rarity of Tornadoes in NYC

While New York City experiences summer downpours and winter Nor'easters, tornadoes are exceptionally rare. Only 88 tornadoes were recorded statewide between 1950-2022, mostly EF0 or EF1 strength. Unlike the Plains and Southeast, the region rarely sees collisions between cold-dry and warm-moist air masses that typically spawn twisters.

## Thursday's Atmospheric Setup

NWS meteorologist Dave Radell noted unusually unstable and moist conditions stretching from Long Island to northeast New Jersey. Rainfall reached 4-5 inches in hardest-hit areas. This environment, combined with storm rotation, created ideal conditions for tornado formation despite the region's typical resistance to such events.

## From Waterspout to Landspout

The Atlantic Beach tornado began as a waterspout - a tornado over water. Unlike common Florida waterspouts that form under cumulus clouds, this event was associated with severe thunderstorms. Upon landfall, it damaged buildings and beach cabanas. A second potential twister in Queens remains unconfirmed without photographic evidence.

## Damage Assessment Underway

NWS teams are analyzing damage paths to determine the first tornado's duration, width, and wind speeds for EF-scale rating. Similar events occurred on Long Island in 2021 and Brooklyn in 2012. Radell emphasizes these remain exceptional rather than annual occurrences for the tri-state area.

## Regional Meteorological Factors

The NYC metro area's geography seldom supports tornado development. Clashes between Gulf moisture and Canadian dry air typically occur further west. Local topography also inhibits the rotation cycles that plains regions amplify. These factors normally shield the urban corridor from significant tornado risks.

## Climate Change Considerations

While scientists suggest climate change may increase severe weather frequency, attributing single events remains challenging. Over 1,300 U.S. tornadoes were reported in 2023. This rare Northeast event provides valuable data points for researchers studying shifting weather patterns.

## Public Response and Preparedness

Social media buzzed with surreal footage as residents expressed shock. While New Yorkers prepare for snowstorms, tornado drills are uncommon. Officials highlight needs for improved radar systems and public education on warning protocols for these atypical threats.

## Scientific Monitoring Value

This event showcases meteorology's advancing extreme weather prediction capabilities. NWS's real-time data collection enhances risk assessments. Climate models suggest such occurrences may become less anomalous, raising questions about urban infrastructure resilience in historically low-risk zones.

## Sources covering this story

- https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-tornadoes-touched-down-near-new-york-city/ — 

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._