Buffalo, N.Y. – Storms rolling into Western New York this afternoon could pack isolated wind gusts up to 60 mph and large hail, prompting a risk for severe weather between 2 and 8 p.m. Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, a warm front sweeping across the region will trigger scattered thunderstorms, with the highest coverage expected in the Genesee Valley and across Western New York. While tornadoes are not expected, some storms may intensify enough to produce localized damage.
Cities including Buffalo, Rochester, and Jamestown sit in the path of the strongest activity. Jamestown faces the greatest local risk, rated “Slight” on the Storm Prediction Center’s five-level scale. Areas under this elevated risk may experience downed tree limbs, spotty power outages, and brief flooding in low-lying roads.
Residents are urged to have multiple ways to receive warnings. Outdoor activities should be postponed, and those caught outside should move indoors at the first sound of thunder. “When thunder roars, go indoors,” the NWS reminds.
The storm threat is expected to taper off later tonight, but additional weather statements could follow if storms intensify faster than projected. Stay tuned for updates throughout the evening.
