Watertown, New York – Anyone with outdoor plans across northern New York should closely monitor the sky this afternoon as thunderstorms are expected to develop, bringing the potential for localized damaging wind gusts, small hail, frequent lightning and pockets of heavy rainfall through tonight.
According to the National Weather Service in Burlington, Vermont, the greatest threat is centered on St. Lawrence County, where the risk for strong winds reaches its highest level between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Small hail is also possible during the afternoon and early evening before the focus shifts toward heavy rain and cloud-to-ground lightning later tonight.
Communities including Canton, Massena, Ogdensburg, Gouverneur and nearby areas should be prepared for rapidly changing conditions. Brief downpours could reduce visibility on major routes including U.S. Route 11 and Interstate 81, while isolated strong wind gusts may bring down tree limbs or cause scattered power outages.
Residents planning to hike, camp or attend outdoor events should have multiple ways to receive weather alerts and be ready to move indoors immediately if thunder is heard. Even storms that are not severe can produce dangerous lightning capable of striking well away from the heaviest rain.
The storm threat is expected to continue into the evening before gradually diminishing overnight, although additional weather updates or localized advisories may be issued if stronger storms develop.
