A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for much of western and central New York through this evening, with the potential for strong winds and hail.
The watch, issued by the National Weather Service, remains in effect until 9 p.m. Tuesday and includes the following counties: Allegany, Broome, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Madison, Monroe, Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Orleans, Oswego, Otsego, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates.
Forecasters say several rounds of scattered thunderstorms are expected this afternoon through the evening. Some storms could become severe, producing damaging wind gusts and hail.
In addition to the thunderstorm threat, a Flood Watch remains in effect through Wednesday evening for portions of western New York and the northern Finger Lakes. Counties under the Flood Watch include Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, northern Cayuga, northern Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston, Ontario, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany, and southern Erie.
Meteorologists warn that heavy rain falling on an existing snowpack could accelerate snowmelt and lead to rapidly rising water levels. Rainfall totals of 1 to 1.5 inches are expected, with localized amounts up to 2 inches possible where thunderstorms repeatedly track over the same areas.
That could result in flooding of rivers, creeks, and streams, as well as low-lying and flood-prone areas. Officials say waterways are already running high and could reach or exceed bankfull levels with additional rainfall.
Residents are urged to monitor forecasts and be prepared to take action if flooding develops.
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A flood warning is in effect Tuesday morning for parts of western New York, while a broader flood watch remains in place across much of the Finger Lakes and Central New York.
The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for Ontario, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, and Wyoming counties until 12:45 p.m. Tuesday. Officials say flooding caused by excessive rainfall is already occurring or expected to begin shortly, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
State Route 96 has reopened between State Route 14 and Pre-Emption Road in Ontario County after being closed for a brief period of time this morning due to flooding.
Communities that could see impacts include Geneva, Canandaigua, Geneseo, Dansville, Letchworth State Park, Le Roy, Perry, Warsaw, Avon, Mount Morris, Victor, Honeoye Falls, Pavilion, Conesus, Bristol, Caledonia, Lima, and Clifton Springs.
Doppler radar indicated between a half inch and three-quarters of an inch of rain had already fallen as of mid-morning, with up to another half inch possible. Flooding of rivers, creeks, and streams is expected, and some low-water crossings may be impassable.
Meanwhile, a flood watch remains in effect through Wednesday evening for a large portion of central New York, including Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Madison, Onondaga, Otsego, Schuyler, Seneca, Southern Cayuga, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, and Yates counties.
Cities within the watch area include Binghamton, Syracuse, Hornell, Walton, Auburn, Oneonta, Corning, Watkins Glen, Elmira, Owego, Oneida, Penn Yan, Norwich, Waverly, Delhi, Seneca Falls, Cortland, Ithaca, and Hamilton.
Forecasters say excessive runoff from continued rainfall could lead to flooding of waterways and low-lying areas.
Drivers are urged to use caution and avoid flooded roadways. Officials emphasize the message: “Turn around, don’t drown,” noting that most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles.
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A Flood Watch has been issued for much of central and western New York, including parts of the Finger Lakes, as periods of heavy rain are expected to impact the region.
The National Weather Service says the watch is in effect from Tuesday morning through Wednesday evening for the following counties: Northern Cayuga in central New York, and Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Northern Erie, Ontario, Orleans, Southern Erie, Wayne, and Wyoming in western New York.
Forecasters say multiple rounds of showers and embedded thunderstorms from Monday night through Tuesday night could produce several inches of rainfall over a two- to three-day period.
That rainfall may lead to excessive runoff, increasing the risk of flooding along rivers, creeks, and streams. Flooding is also possible in low-lying and poor drainage areas, with waterways potentially reaching or exceeding bankfull levels.
Residents are urged to monitor the latest forecasts and be prepared to take action if Flood Warnings are issued, particularly those in flood-prone areas.
