Albany, New York – Residents across eastern New York and western New England should prepare for a potentially dangerous round of severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening, with damaging winds, isolated tornadoes, large hail and flash flooding all possible. The highest risk extends west of the Hudson Valley, but severe storms could develop across much of the region before moving east through the evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Albany, much of eastern New York is under a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) to Enhanced Risk (Level 3 of 5) for severe thunderstorms. Forecasters say scattered to numerous storms may produce damaging straight-line winds, isolated large hail and a few tornadoes. Heavy rainfall will also increase the risk of flash flooding, especially in urban and poor-drainage areas.
The Weather Prediction Center has also placed areas south of Albany under a Slight Risk for excessive rainfall, where multiple rounds of thunderstorms could produce torrential downpours. Flash flooding may develop quickly on roads, in small streams and in low-lying locations if storms repeatedly move over the same area.
Communities including Albany, Schenectady, Troy, Saratoga Springs, Glens Falls, Kingston, Poughkeepsie, Pittsfield, Bennington and Brattleboro should monitor conditions closely this afternoon. Travelers along Interstates 87, 88 and 90 could encounter rapidly changing weather, reduced visibility and water-covered roads during heavier storms.
Residents should have multiple ways to receive weather warnings and move indoors immediately if a Severe Thunderstorm Warning or Tornado Warning is issued. If a Flash Flood Warning is issued, move to higher ground and never drive through flooded roadways. Additional watches and warnings are likely as storms develop through the afternoon and evening.
