Nor'easter Brings Rain, Tornado Watch to Connecticut
A tornado warning near JFK Airport caused flight delays and cancellations as the storm moved through the tristate area.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Forecasts
A nor'easter brought rain to Connecticut on Thursday, and a tornado watch was issued for parts of the tristate area. The National Weather Service also issued a tornado warning near John F. Kennedy International Airport that afternoon, which expired at 2 p.m.
Why it matters
The storm disrupted air travel and brought power outages across the state, and forecasters expect several days of rain for Connecticut. Residents in the state should monitor updated forecasts as conditions develop.
As of about 2:10 p.m. Thursday, FlightAware data showed 176 JFK flights delayed and 10 canceled, while about a dozen Connecticut power outages were reported by about 3 p.m. Updated counts after those times were not included in the available information.
The players
National Weather Service
The National Weather Service is the federal agency under NOAA that issues weather forecasts, watches and warnings for the United States.
John F. Kennedy International Airport
John F. Kennedy International Airport is a major international airport in Queens, New York, serving as a hub for domestic and overseas flights.
The details
The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning near JFK Airport Thursday afternoon, and the airport posted on X that forecasted weather conditions may cause flight disruptions. Northern Connecticut may also see a chance of snow as the nor'easter continues.
Timeline
Thursday, November 12, 2026: Nor'easter rain, tornado watch, and JFK tornado warning
Thursday, 2 p.m.: Tornado warning near JFK expired
Thursday, around 2:10 p.m.: 176 JFK flights delayed and 10 canceled
Thursday, about 3 p.m.: About a dozen power outages reported in Connecticut
Seasonal Patterns
Tornado warnings in the Northeast are less common than in the Plains, and this nor'easter-linked warning is an unusual cold-season event under the National Weather Service warning framework. Its rarity relative to the region's typical late-autumn storm pattern is not quantified in the available information.
Travelers flying through JFK should check flight status with their airline before heading to the airport. Connecticut residents should monitor updated forecasts for several days of rain and a possible chance of snow in northern parts of the state.
The takeaway
Nor'easters can bring tornado warnings and flight disruptions even outside typical severe weather season. Checking forecasts and airline status before travel can help avoid delays.
Further reading
For ongoing conditions, check the latest Forecasts section for Connecticut.
