Tornado activity: New York-area historical tornado activity is above New York state average.It is 44% smaller than the overall U.S. average.. On 5/28/1973, a category F3 (max. wind speeds 158-206 mph) tornado 31.2 miles away from the New York city center caused between $50,000 and $500,000 in damages.. On 8/8/2007, a category F2 (max. wind speeds 113-157 mph) tornado 11.3 miles away from the …