NWS: No Tornado in Westchester

NEW YORK (1010 WINS)  -- There were plenty of damaging winds but no twisters in a storm that spawned a rare tornado warning in New York City, government meteorologists said Saturday.


Terry Sheridan reports

National Weather Service crews assessed damage around the metropolitan area Saturday, a day after a severe thunderstorm toppled trees, stalled commuter trains and swamped parkways during the evening rush hour. The Weather Service had warned that the storm could spawn a tornado and told city and suburban residents to take cover.

Photo of a snapped tree in Pelham by Terry Sheridan

Such warnings are fairly uncommon in the nation's largest city, about a year ago, a tornado skipped through parts of Brooklyn and damaged dozens of buildings.

The crews found evidence that the storm packed the strong downdrafts known as microbursts, but not tornadoes' spinning winds, weather service meteorologist Brian Ciemnecki said. Still, winds reached 65 to 75 mph north of the city in Mount Vernon, he said.

Photo of downed trees in Pelham by Terry Sheridan

Mount Vernon and other nearby communities were cleaning up fallen trees and other damage Saturday.

Resident Victoria Akpu was left with thousands of dollars' worth of ruined appliances after the storm flooded her Mount Vernon garage. The force of the water was potent enough to push the garage door open, she said.

Photo of New Rochelle H.S. tower by Kathleen Maloney.

In nearby New Rochelle, lightning apparently sparked a blaze that engulfed a shingled spire atop New Rochelle High School, fire officials said. The rest of the school suffered only water damage.


Kathleen Maloney reports

And a tree fell on a home in Ho Ho Kus, N.J. for the second time this year!


Glenn Schuck reports

Photo right of Ray and Sheri Ash's Ho Ho Kus home by Glenn Schuck.

1010 WINS Boroughs & Burbs: Lower Hudson Valley