The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for Queens, New York, on Thursday, Nov. 12, after radar picked up rotation in a thunderstorm over Rockaway Beach. The warning from the weather service office in Upton, New York, issued at 1:14 p.m. Eastern (10:14 a.m. Pacific), was set to run until 2 p.m. Eastern and puts the storm near Kennedy Airport around 1:25 p.m., moving northeast at about 15 mph.

At the same time, forecasters in Mount Holly, New Jersey, warned northeastern New Castle County in Delaware of a possible tornado near Stanton and Newark, moving northeast at 25 mph toward Wilmington, New Castle, the Delaware Memorial Bridge and a stretch of Interstate 95. That warning was set to run until 1:45 p.m. Eastern.

Both warnings are based on rotation seen on radar. No tornado had been confirmed on the ground when they were issued. The weather service said the storms could also bring hail about the size of quarters and warned that flying debris would be dangerous to anyone caught outside. It said damage to roofs, windows and vehicles would occur and tree damage was likely.

A tornado watch until 7 p.m.

The Delaware Memorial Bridge spanning the Delaware River under a clear sky
The Delaware Memorial Bridge, seen from Pennsville, N.J., in February 2025. The bridge was in the path of Thursday's Delaware warning.Mr. Matté / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

The Storm Prediction Center put Tornado Watch 705 in effect from 12:50 p.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern for northern Delaware, central New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania, along with nearby coastal waters. It said a few tornadoes, hail up to 1.5 inches across and isolated wind gusts to 70 mph are possible as strong storms form near a low-pressure system and warm front.

A watch means conditions favor tornadoes. A warning means one is indicated or happening and people in its path should act.

What to do

The Manhattan skyline on the horizon across the water from the ferry terminal at Rockaway Beach
The view from the ferry terminal at Rockaway Beach, Queens, in September 2020.Andre Carrotflower / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

If you are under a warning, the weather service says to move now to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and stay away from windows. People outdoors, in a mobile home or in a vehicle should get to the nearest substantial shelter. Do not take shelter under a highway overpass. Travelers headed to Kennedy Airport should check with their airline for delays.

Edit USA will update this report if the weather service confirms a tornado or extends the warnings.