NEW YORK (PIX11) — Severe weather is brewing for New York City as a storm system brings the threat of a tornado, damaging winds and multiple rounds of flooding downpours on Saturday.

The tornado threat comes as the approaching system could contain some wind shear and spin out a twister, according to the National Weather Service.

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While the tornado threat will be isolated, the chances for damaging straight-line winds are more likely.

An enhanced risk of severe weather has been issued for the city and points west into most of New Jersey by NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center.  The enhanced risk, or level three out of five, indicates that the severe weather chances are more likely.

The Storm Prediction Center is concerned that widespread damaging winds in excess of 60 mph will bring down tree limbs and cause power outages. 

The best chance of seeing damaging winds and an isolated tornado will be late in the afternoon and early in the evening.  

Another big weather threat will be drenching downpours that will be capable of producing flooding.

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Flood watches have already been issued for Saturday in New York City and New Jersey, as torrential downpours may cause serious ponding on area roadways and rivers to rise.

While the severe threat of tornadoes and damaging winds will be confined to the latter portion of Saturday, the flood threat will be possible all day long on Saturday and continue into the night. 

At times, rainfall rates up to two inches per hour will be possible throughout the period. 

Those who live in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should the waters rise. 

If there is any good news, the severe weather threat will diminish late Saturday night, leaving us with a pleasant Sunday.

Andrew Cruz is a digital content producer. A native New Yorker, he joined PIX11 in 2009 as a weather producer. More of his work can be found here.

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