The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for Brooklyn and Queens in New York City as Hurricane Irene heads for the city.
A tornado touched down in Lewes, Delaware on Saturday night with at least 17 homes damaged and 30 structures hit. No injuries have been reported.
The National Weather Service says conditions are ripe for tornadoes in New York City, Long Island and southern Connecticut.
Meteorologist Tim Morrin says the agency issued a tornado watch effective until 5 a.m. Sunday. A watch means conditions are favorable to tornadoes. It differs from a tornado warning, which means twisters have been spotted.
Morrin says twisters are a common occurrence with hurricanes.
Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley said his state had seen some tornadic activity, but so far had not had any loss of life.
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