Scranton, Pa. – Strong storms are moving across northeast Pennsylvania and central New York Tuesday evening, prompting a Severe Thunderstorm Watch in 19 counties through 10 p.m., with potential for hail, damaging winds, and dangerous lightning.
According to the National Weather Service in Binghamton and State College, Watch 191 remains in effect for cities including Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, Binghamton, Syracuse, and Elmira. The primary threats are wind gusts over 60 mph, hail up to one inch in diameter, and cloud-to-ground lightning.
In Pennsylvania, the watch area includes Columbia, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Bradford, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. In New York, it spans Chemung, Onondaga, Oneida, Broome, Cortland, and eight other counties. Residents in these areas should remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel until the watch expires.
Local emergency managers recommend charging devices, securing loose outdoor items, and having a flashlight ready in case of power outages. Drivers should slow down during downpours and avoid flooded roadways.
Storm activity is expected to weaken after 10 p.m., but additional watches may be issued if cells regenerate overnight. Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or local alerts for updates.
