What to KnowTorrential rain and strong winds are pummeling the tri-state area, threatening flash floods, tornadoes, and hail.Vehicles were said to be trapped in high waters in parts of NJ by early afternoon; in Queens, a tornado warning was in effect until 2 p.m. Watches were issued elsewhere.The he aviest storms are expected to hit between about 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.,; they’ll come from South Jersey and move northeast towards the city, Long Island and Connecticut. Conditions should become less favorable for stronger storms by the late afternoon and evening hours; the overall threat remains low. A developing storm system is bringing threats of severe weather, periods of heavy rain, and even accumulating snow to parts of the tri-state before a much colder air mass settles in. Severe weather is expected throughout the afternoon Thursday, with flash floods, large hail, and tornadoes considered the most likely threats. Check severe weather alerts here. Track the latest developments in our live blog below. ...read more read less