Binghamton, New York – A dangerous round of severe thunderstorms is expected to sweep across central New York and northeast Pennsylvania this afternoon and evening, bringing the threat of damaging wind gusts over 70 mph, large hail, isolated tornadoes and flash flooding. The strongest storms are expected to develop across central New York early this afternoon before racing south into the Southern Tier and northeast Pennsylvania through the evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Binghamton, a powerful cold front moving south through the region has placed much of central New York under an Enhanced Risk (Level 3 of 5) for severe thunderstorms, with surrounding areas under a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5). The primary hazard will be damaging straight-line winds, but forecasters say a few supercells could also produce isolated tornadoes, including the potential for an EF1 or stronger tornado, along with large hail and torrential rainfall.
Storms are expected to reach the northern counties between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., spread into the Southern Tier between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., and move into northeast Pennsylvania between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. before exiting the region after 9 p.m.
The Weather Prediction Center has also upgraded parts of the Catskills and Poconos to a Slight Risk for excessive rainfall, while much of the remainder of the region remains under a Marginal Risk. Rainfall rates may become intense enough to trigger flash flooding, especially in urban areas, poor-drainage locations, creeks and small streams.
Communities including Binghamton, Syracuse, Ithaca, Elmira, Norwich, Oneonta, Monticello, Scranton, Towanda and Wilkes-Barre should prepare for rapidly changing weather conditions. Travel along Interstates 81, 86 and 88 could become hazardous due to damaging winds, reduced visibility and water-covered roads.
Residents should have multiple ways to receive weather warnings and be prepared to take shelter immediately if a Severe Thunderstorm Warning or Tornado Warning is issued. Never drive through flooded roadways, as water can rise quickly and hide dangerous conditions.
The severe weather threat is expected to end later this evening as the cold front pushes south, but additional watches and warnings are likely throughout the afternoon as storms rapidly intensify across central New York and northeast Pennsylvania.
