Buffalo, NY – Unseasonably warm temperatures climbing into the upper 70s and low 80s will fuel a volatile weather pattern across western and central New York Tuesday afternoon, with severe storms expected to bring damaging winds, hail, and the risk of isolated tornadoes.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, an Enhanced Risk (Level 3 of 5) is in effect for much of the region on April 29, including Buffalo, Rochester, and the Niagara Frontier. The greatest threats are widespread wind gusts capable of knocking down trees and power lines, with a lesser but still notable potential for large hail. A Slight Risk extends into Syracuse and surrounding areas, while the western Southern Tier faces a Marginal Risk for both storms and excessive rainfall.
Travel may be impacted during the evening commute, especially along I-90 and other major corridors. Residents in Chautauqua, Erie, Monroe, and Genesee counties should be alert for rapidly changing conditions and be ready to shelter indoors. Scattered power outages and localized flooding are possible, particularly in low-lying or poor-drainage areas.
Warnings remain in effect through late Tuesday evening. More advisories may follow as storm models evolve—have weather alerts enabled and review your emergency plans.
