Albany, N.Y. – Residents across eastern New York and western New England should stay alert Saturday as isolated severe thunderstorms may develop, bringing damaging winds and hail up to 1 inch in diameter. The greatest concern extends across the Mid-Hudson Valley, southern Taconic Hills, Berkshires, and Litchfield Hills, where conditions support stronger storms into the evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Albany, a Level 2 out of 5 “Slight Risk” is in place for those areas, while the Capital District, Catskills, northern Taconics, and southern Vermont fall under a Level 1 “Marginal Risk.” While damaging winds remain the primary hazard, forecasters caution that an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.
Travelers on I-87 through the Hudson Valley and Route 7 into western Massachusetts should prepare for rapidly changing conditions, including reduced visibility from heavy downpours and dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning. Power outages may occur if stronger wind gusts take down tree limbs.
Officials urge residents to monitor alerts throughout the afternoon and evening and have multiple ways to receive warnings. Conditions are expected to improve overnight, though additional storm chances may return early next week.
