New York, NY – A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 8 p.m. Saturday for New York City, Long Island, and much of the Hudson Valley, raising the risk of damaging winds, heavy rain, and possible hail during the evening commute.
According to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center, the watch includes all five boroughs of New York City as well as Nassau, Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Putnam, Columbia, and Dutchess counties. Thunderstorms developing across the region this afternoon could produce wind gusts topping 60 mph and localized power outages.
Residents in Manhattan, the Bronx, and Queens should expect rapidly changing conditions, with storms capable of knocking down tree limbs and disrupting subway and rail service. On Long Island, Nassau County officials warned drivers to use caution on the Southern State and Long Island Expressway as sudden downpours could reduce visibility.
In the Hudson Valley, towns from Poughkeepsie to Newburgh are included in the watch area. Emergency managers advise residents to secure outdoor items and avoid unnecessary travel during peak storm hours.
The severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 8 p.m., with additional warnings possible as storms track eastward this evening.
