Buffalo, NY – Rain and thunderstorms will spread across western New York Thursday, with pockets of heavier downpours raising concerns for localized flooding, especially south of Lake Ontario.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, showers will overspread the region Thursday afternoon, with thunderstorms developing mainly across inland areas. The greatest concern for isolated stronger storms sits over Chautauqua County and the Southern Tier, where conditions may support brief gusty winds and heavier rainfall rates.
Rainfall totals between a half inch and one inch are expected for most of western New York through Thursday night. However, locally higher amounts are possible where thunderstorms repeatedly move over the same areas, particularly from Jamestown to Wellsville. This could lead to minor flooding in poor drainage areas and along smaller creeks.
In the Buffalo and Rochester metro areas, periods of steady rain and occasional thunder may slow the evening commute. Drivers should watch for ponding on the Kensington Expressway and sections of I-90, especially after sunset.
Residents are encouraged to clear storm drains and monitor alerts in case any flood advisories are issued Thursday night. Conditions begin to settle heading into early Friday, though wet roads may linger for the morning drive.
