NYC borough under tornado warning as ominous cloud swirled above JFK airport

A tornado warning was issued for parts of southern Queens, including John F. Kennedy Airport, and southwestern Nassau County, after the National Weather Service detected rotation on radar. Video showed a dark, low cloud swirling near the airport, but there were no reports that it touched down; the warning came as a powerful nor’easter brought severe weather to the region.

Heavy rain, hail and flood risks affected the area, with more than 1.6 inches of rain recorded in Central Park. A flash flood warning remained in effect for southern Queens until 6.15pm, and forecasters expected further rain on Friday before conditions eased. Colder air and strong north-westerly winds were forecast behind the storm, with overnight lows in the 30s.