Western New York could see showers and scattered thunderstorms Saturday afternoon and evening as a strengthening area of low pressure moves toward the eastern Great Lakes, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.
Forecasters have placed parts of the region under a risk for severe thunderstorms, with the greatest threat across Lake Erie, Chautauqua County and surrounding areas. Most of the rest of western New York is under a lower-level risk.
The main window for severe weather is expected from 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday.
Damaging winds, hail and heavy rain possible
Damaging wind gusts are the primary concern and could bring down trees and power lines, the Weather Service said.
Isolated large hail also is possible, particularly across the western Southern Tier, and could damage vehicles and other property. Some storms could produce locally heavy rainfall, potentially causing minor ponding in areas with poor drainage.
More storms possible Sunday
A cold front will move across the region Sunday morning and early afternoon, bringing showers and a few stronger thunderstorms.
The Weather Service has issued a Marginal Risk of severe thunderstorms for areas south and southeast of Lake Ontario. The main window for stronger storms is expected from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Isolated strong to damaging wind gusts and large hail are possible.
Lake-effect rain could continue from Sunday afternoon through Tuesday, with the potential for waterspouts on the lakes, according to the Weather Service.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Severe storms possible across upstate NY this weekend. See where, when
Reporting by New York Connect Team, USA Today Network / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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By New York Connect Team, USA Today Network | USA TODAY Network
