The Hudson Valley remains under a heightened severe weather threat Saturday as thunderstorms move through the region, bringing the potential for damaging winds, torrential rainfall, flash flooding and isolated tornadoes.
Forecasters are urging residents to closely monitor weather alerts through the evening.
The National Weather Service office has issued severe weather alerts across eastern New York, including severe thunderstorm warnings and a broader severe thunderstorm watch covering much of New York.
Isolated tornadoes, damaging winds possible
The Mid-Hudson Valley is among the regions highlighted by state officials as facing an enhanced risk for severe thunderstorms.
The strongest storms could produce:
The greatest concern is damaging winds capable of bringing down trees and power lines. Some storms could also produce brief tornadoes and intense downpours that may lead to localized flash flooding, especially in urban areas and locations with poor drainage.
Heavy rain could trigger localized flooding
Heavy rainfall may lead to flooding of roadways and low-lying areas Saturday afternoon and evening.
Residents should never drive through flooded roads and should be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.
Storms expected to improve air quality
The rain and thunderstorms are also expected to help push Canadian wildfire smoke out of the region, improving air quality by Sunday.
Smoke from Canadian wildfires may continue to affect parts of New York through Saturday, and state health officials recommend that sensitive groups limit outdoor activity when air quality deteriorates.
What to expect
Forecasters expect:
Residents should have multiple ways to receive weather warnings and be prepared to seek shelter immediately if a severe thunderstorm warning or tornado warning is issued for their area.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Severe storms could bring damaging winds, isolated tornadoes to Hudson Valley
Reporting by New York Connect Team, USA Today Network / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
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By New York Connect Team, USA Today Network | USA TODAY Network
