Binghamton, N.Y. – Residents across the Southern Tier should brace for strong thunderstorms and localized flash flooding this afternoon and evening as a cold front pushes through Upstate New York. Storms could turn severe, bringing damaging wind gusts and large hail.
According to the National Weather Service in Binghamton, slow-moving showers and thunderstorms will increase the risk of flash flooding, particularly in low-lying and urban areas where drainage is poor. The greatest threat will come during the late afternoon and evening hours when storms intensify.
Cities including Binghamton, Elmira, Ithaca, and Norwich are all in the zone of concern, with potential for quick bursts of heavy rain to overwhelm roadways. Drivers should be cautious of rapidly changing conditions, especially along Interstates 81 and 88, where ponding on roads may become an issue.
Emergency managers urge residents to avoid flooded streets, charge devices ahead of possible outages, and remain weather-aware as storms track east. While not all areas will see severe weather, even isolated storms could produce damaging conditions.
Severe weather alerts remain in place through tonight, with updates expected if conditions worsen.
