Tropical storm Isaias hits New York City, tri-state area

Graphics provided by the National Weather Service shows how New York City and its surrounding areas have been affected by tropical storm Isaias on Aug. 4, 2020. (Xinhua)

Isaias has already caused 172,500 Con Edison customers to suffer power cuts.

NEW YORK, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Powerful winds and rains battered New York City and its surrounding areas on Tuesday as tropical storm Isaias hit the tri-state region.

The storm barreled toward the city's five boroughs from the south at noon, leaving a path of destruction as tornadoes reportedly touched down near the Jersey Shore.

Isaias has already caused 172,500 Con Edison customers to suffer power cuts, according to ConEdison, the city's electricity provider. The high winds are knocking trees and branches into power lines, causing power outages.

Graphics provided by the National Weather Service shows how New York City and its surrounding areas have been affected by tropical storm Isaias on Aug. 4, 2020. (Xinhua)

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced to run underground subways only due to the severe weather. No outdoor subways were running and outdoor subway stations were closed. "To keep everyone safe, we are suspending most outdoor service and will run underground-only subway service until the winds die down," MTA tweeted.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio on Tuesday warned New York City residents to take the tornado watch seriously.

"It is something to worry about. Take it seriously," Bill de Blasio said at his daily press briefing. "When you hear of a tornado warning, it's not business as usual. With these high winds, just secure anything that could fly around."

Meanwhile, the city continues to keep an eye on possible coastal flooding associated with Isaias. Temporary dams and sandbags were set up in South Street Seaport in Lower Manhattan to guard against any possible storm surge. ■