NEW YORK - A tornado in New York City 10 days before Thanksgiving?

Authorities say it's a possibility as strong thunderstorms move through the metro area Saturday night and early Sunday. The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for southeastern New York State through 2 a.m. Sunday.

A watch means conditions are favorable for the development of severe storms that could spawn a tornado.

City authorities are telling residents to be prepared to take shelter if the watch is upgraded to a warning.

Such warnings are fairly uncommon in the city, although a tornado skipped through parts of Brooklyn last year and damaged dozens of buildings. A tornado warning was issued one stormy night this August, but no twisters were reported.