2010 Brooklyn/Queens tornadoes facts for kids
Imagine a really strong storm hitting New York City! That's what happened on September 16, 2010, when two tornadoes touched down in the areas of Brooklyn and Queens. These powerful storms happened between 5:37 PM and 5:57 PM EDT. Believe it or not, these weren't the first tornadoes to hit New York City that year; another one had already struck Queens on July 25.
What Happened During the 2010 Tornadoes?
The two tornadoes hit specific neighborhoods: one in Park Slope, Brooklyn, and the other in Flushing, Queens. The tornado in Flushing was the stronger one. It was rated an EF1 tornado, which means its winds could blow as fast as 100 miles per hour!
How Did the Storm Affect New York City?
The main thunderstorm hit New York City during the evening rush hour, when many people were traveling home. This storm brought very strong winds, heavy rain, and even hail (small balls of ice). The winds were so powerful that they knocked down more than 30,000 trees and many power lines. This caused a lot of damage and left many people without electricity.
What is a Macroburst?
Besides the tornadoes, another type of strong wind event called a macroburst also hit parts of Queens, specifically Middle Village and Forest Hills. A macroburst is like a very strong downdraft of wind that spreads out when it hits the ground. This macroburst had heavy rain and winds that reached up to 125 miles per hour!
