Buffalo, New York — Strong to severe thunderstorms could develop across Western New York Saturday afternoon, bringing the potential for damaging wind gusts and locally heavy rainfall.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, a cold front moving through the region may trigger scattered thunderstorms between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., particularly inland from Lake Erie and areas east and south of the Buffalo metro area.
Forecasters say the region is under a Level 2 “Slight Risk” for severe weather, meaning scattered severe storms are possible.
The primary concern with stronger storms will be damaging wind gusts that could exceed 60 mph, which may down tree limbs or cause isolated power outages.
Meteorologists say large hail is not expected, though brief heavy rainfall could occur in stronger storms.
There is also a low but possible risk of an isolated tornado, especially with storms that briefly intensify along the advancing cold front.
Areas across Buffalo, Rochester, Niagara Falls, Jamestown, and surrounding communities could see thunderstorms develop during the mid- to late-afternoon hours before moving eastward through the evening.
Officials recommend residents have multiple ways to receive weather warnings and move indoors when thunderstorms approach.
Drivers and commuters may also encounter brief heavy downpours and sudden wind gusts, particularly during the late afternoon hours.
