Albany, N.Y. – Flash flooding and dangerous thunderstorms could disrupt Friday plans across eastern New York as a wave of heavy rain moves through the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Albany, a Flood Watch is in effect from noon through midnight Friday for the Capital District, Catskills, Helderbergs, northern Taconics, and Berkshires. The main threats include torrential rain, isolated flash flooding, damaging wind gusts, and frequent cloud-to-ground lightning.
Cities at risk include Albany, Schenectady, Troy, Hudson, and Pittsfield, where downpours may repeatedly track over the same areas, increasing the flood danger in low-lying zones and poor drainage areas. Storms may also lead to downed limbs and power lines, especially in spots where wind gusts exceed 40 mph.
Drivers should avoid water-covered roads and stay weather-aware if traveling later today. Residents are urged to charge phones, secure outdoor items, and delay outdoor activities until the storms pass. Rainfall totals could exceed one inch in localized areas.
The severe weather threat diminishes after midnight, but additional alerts may be issued if new storms develop Friday evening.
