Burlington, Vermont – Drivers, utility crews and anyone with outdoor plans across northern New York and New England should prepare now as severe thunderstorms capable of producing destructive wind gusts race across the region this afternoon and evening. The greatest concern is widespread damaging straight-line winds, with some storms capable of producing gusts exceeding 75 mph, strong enough to down trees, damage roofs and trigger scattered power outages from northern New York into Vermont, New Hampshire and much of Maine.
According to the NOAA Storm Prediction Center, thunderstorms are expected to rapidly develop along and ahead of a cold front beginning in the St. Lawrence Valley before organizing into multiple clusters that move east across northern New England through the evening. Forecasters say the primary hazard will be damaging winds, although large to very large hail and a few tornadoes, including the potential for isolated strong tornadoes, cannot be ruled out.
The highest overall severe weather risk stretches from northern New York through central and northern Vermont into much of Maine, with cities including Watertown, Burlington, Bangor and surrounding communities facing the greatest potential for destructive wind damage. A broader slight risk extends toward Portland, Manchester and northern Massachusetts, where isolated severe storms remain possible.
Travel could become hazardous as storms produce sudden visibility reductions, debris on roadways and localized flooding. Tree damage may block secondary roads while scattered power interruptions are possible where the strongest wind cores develop. Residents should secure outdoor furniture, postpone boating and be prepared to move indoors immediately if warnings are issued.
The severe weather threat will continue through Tuesday evening before gradually shifting east. Additional severe thunderstorm or tornado watches and warnings may be issued as storms intensify, and residents across northern New York and New England should closely monitor updates from the National Weather Service throughout the day.
