New York tornado warning lifted as thunderstorm hits parts of East Coast

Much of region remains under severe thunderstorm watch as threat of system producing a tornado has passed

A rare tornado warning was issues for parts of New York City and the surrounding area on Tuesday afternoon (Storm Team 4 NY)

A rare tornado warning, and severe thunderstorm warnings, was issued for parts of New York and Northern New Jersey on Tuesday.

In New York City, the Bronx and Manhattan are covered by the warning, as well as neighbouring Nassau County and Westchester County.

Three separate severe thunderstorm warnings were also issued that cover Westchester, Queens, Kings, Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

Residents have been warned of 60mph winds, frequent lightning, and hail. Damage to trees and power lines is expected.

The tornado warning has now expired, but wind speeds will remain high as the thunderstorms move east across Connecticut and Long Island.

There are reports of 71mph winds in the Bronx and trees down in New Jersey.

No injuries have been reported.

This is the same storm system that ripped across parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia on Sunday night.

Much of the region remains under severe thunderstorm watch until 5pm local time.

After moving east from the city, cold winds are expected to drop temperatures to near freezing by Wednesday morning, with the wind chill taking temperatures down further.

The last tornado to hit New York City was in August 2018. Power lines and 50 trees were knocked down in College Point, Queens by an 85mph twister that briefly touched down on a Friday night.