Governor Hochul Urges Caution as Severe Thunderstorms Continue to Threaten Upstate New York

 

Portions of Western New York, Finger Lakes and Southern Tier Regions at Greatest Risk of Impact Thursday Evening into Friday

Heavy Downpours and Strong Winds May Cause Flash Flooding, Downed Trees and Power Outages

Most Severe Weather Not Expected to Impact Eastern Portion of the State, But Localized Heavy Downpours Possible

Flood Watch to go into Effect on Friday Afternoon and Evening for Parts of the North Country and Capital Region

Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers, especially those in the western half of the state, to prepare for the potential of severe thunderstorms beginning Thursday evening into Friday. While the majority of the state may see varying levels of rainfall, the most severe weather is expected to impact parts of the Western New York, Finger Lakes and Southern Tier regions. Areas in the Mid-Hudson, Capital and North Country regions that have been inundated with severe thunderstorms and flash flooding in recent weeks are forecast to have the lowest risk of severe weather, but locally heavy downpours are possible in areas that experienced recent flooding. As Governor Hochul and her administration keep a close eye on this weather system and stand ready to support local partners’ response to any impacts, New Yorkers are reminded to monitor their local forecasts, ensure their households are prepared for sever weather, and to never drive through flooded roadways.

“My team is closely tracking the forecast for the rest of this week as Mother Nature continues to bring severe weather our way this summer,” Governor Hochul said. “We are prepared to respond to this storm and will assist local governments upon request with personnel and equipment should flooding or power outages cause destruction.”

Beginning Thursday evening, rain and thunderstorms will begin moving into the state. Parts of Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties are forecast to have higher risk of severe thunderstorms than other areas of the state west of Syracuse. This system has the potential to produce severe weather, including damaging winds in excess of 58 mph, hail of up to one inch in diameter, localized flash flooding and isolated tornadoes.

A Flood Watch was issued for portions of the North Country and Capital Region starting Friday afternoon and continuing through late Friday night, as showers and thunderstorms are expected to produce up to three inches of rain or locally higher amounts in some places.

For a complete listing of weather alerts and forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website at alerts.weather.gov.

Severe Weather Safety Tips

Disaster Supplies

Have disaster supplies on hand, including:

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• First aid kit and manual
• Emergency food and water
• Non-electric can opener
• Essential medicines
• Checkbook, cash, credit cards, ATM cards

Flash Flooding

• Never attempt to drive on a flooded road. Turn around and go another way.
• If water begins to rise rapidly around you in your car, abandon the vehicle immediately.
• Do not underestimate the power of fast-moving water. Two feet of fast-moving flood water will float your car, and water moving at two miles per hour can sweep cars off a road or bridge.

Lightning

• Follow the 30-30 rule: If the time between when you see a flash of lightning and hear thunder is 30 seconds or less, the lightning is close enough to hit you. Seek shelter immediately. After the last flash of lightning, wait 30 minutes before leaving your shelter.
• Lightning hits the tallest object. If you are above a tree line, quickly get below it and crouch down if you are in an exposed area.
• If you can't get to a shelter, stay away from trees. If there is no shelter, crouch in the open, keeping twice as far away from a tree as it is tall.

Tornado

• If outdoors and a Tornado Warning is issued, seek shelter immediately. If there is no shelter nearby, lie flat in a ditch or low spot with your hands shielding your head.
• If at home or in a small building, go to the basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of the building. Stay away from windows. Closets, bathrooms, and other interior rooms offer the best protection. Get under something sturdy or cover yourself with a mattress.
• If in a school, hospital, or shopping center, go to a pre-designated shelter area. Stay away from large open areas and windows. Do not go outside to your car.
• If in a high-rise building, go to an interior small room or hallway on the lowest floor possible. Do not use elevators — use stairs instead.

For more information on personal preparedness and how to stay safe during severe weather, visit: dhses.gov/safety.