The National Weather Service issued a Tornado Watch for Westchester County through 9 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, putting Bronxville, Scarsdale, and Eastchester under threat of severe thunderstorms, high winds, possible tornadoes, and flash flooding.
A Flash Flood Warning is also in effect through 6:45 p.m., and a broader Flood Watch extends through 2 a.m. on Wednesday, July 22, according to Westchester County Government.
The storm is the second punch in three days. Rain on Tuesday is falling on ground already saturated from downpours on Saturday, July 18, increasing the risk of flash flooding in low-lying areas and spots with poor drainage, according to FOX Weather.
What to expect
The Storm Prediction Center expects the strongest storms to hit the I-95 corridor between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tuesday before pushing offshore by midnight. Damaging wind gusts above 60 mph are the primary threat and could occur anywhere across the risk area. FOX Weather estimates peak rainfall rates as high as 2.5 inches per hour.
Two confirmed tornadoes touched down in northern New Jersey on Tuesday as the system moved through the region, CNN reported. No tornado touchdowns or storm damage have been confirmed in Bronxville, Scarsdale, or Eastchester as of Tuesday afternoon.
What residents should do
A Tornado Watch means conditions favor tornado development. If the NWS upgrades to a Tornado Warning, that means a tornado has been detected by radar or observed, and residents should take shelter immediately.
The National Weather Service advises residents to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows, if a warning is issued. Do not drive through flooded roadways. Do not shelter beneath highway overpasses during a tornado.
Residents should keep emergency alerts enabled on their phones and monitor Westchester County's emergency services page for updates.
Emergency contacts
- All emergencies: 911
- Bronxville Police (non-emergency): 914-337-0500
- Eastchester Police (non-emergency): 914-961-3464
- Eastchester/Bronxville/Tuckahoe Fire District (non-emergency): 914-793-6402
- Bronxville Public Works (downed trees, flooding): 914-337-7338
- Con Edison (power outages): 800-752-6633
- Non-emergency assistance: 2-1-1
Residents can sign up for Westchester County emergency alerts at westchestercountyny.gov. The county's severe weather page will carry updates if warnings are extended or new alerts are issued.
