1 person killed in severe storm that blew through the city

A quick but terrifying storm that may have included a tornado blew through the city Thursday evening, killing at least one person and uprooting hundreds of trees, downing power lines, and damaging houses and cars.

A Fire Department spokesman said the death happened in a three-car accident at Jewel Avenue at the Grand Central Parkway in Queens. No other details were immediately available.

The storm broke out about 5:20 p.m., and winds hit speeds of up to 100 mph in Staten Island, the Daily News reported.

The National Weather Service issued tornado warnings in Staten Island and Brooklyn, but as of press time no tornadoes were confirmed.

Subway service and the LIRR were severely disrupted. All LIRR service out of the city was suspended, and the 7, L, M and J subways were severely impaired. Penn Station was closed to foot traffic because of overcrowding, and MTA police were called in.