Severe storms that battered parts of the central United States this week could move into parts of New York later Wednesday as the storm system shifts east, according to forecasters.
AccuWeather meteorologists say storms developing from the Gulf Coast northward could extend as far as Pennsylvania and upstate New York, bringing the potential for damaging wind gusts, hail and heavy downpours in some areas.
Severe weather threat expanding east
The system follows a widespread severe weather outbreak across the central U.S. on Tuesday that produced nearly 200 storm reports across more than 2,500 miles, from Texas to Michigan. At least 10 tornadoes were reported in Illinois, Indiana and Texas, and some communities suffered damage to homes and vehicles.
Meteorologists say the next round of storms is not expected to be as intense, but strong thunderstorms could still develop as warm, moisture-rich air from the Gulf of Mexico collides with cooler air moving across the region.
“The severe weather threat stretches from the Gulf Coast to upstate New York through late tonight,” AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said. “Storms will be capable of producing hail, damaging wind gusts and flooding downpours.”
What New Yorkers could see
If storms reach New York, the main risks would likely include brief heavy rain, gusty winds and isolated hail, especially across western and central parts of the state.
Forecasters say repeated thunderstorms moving over the same areas could also trigger localized flash flooding.
Large hail reported in Midwest
Earlier in the outbreak, massive hail — some reportedly 5 to 6 inches in diameter — was recorded in parts of Illinois. If confirmed, it would break the state’s previous hail record of 4.75 inches.
AccuWeather says the severe weather threat will gradually move toward the East Coast by Thursday, with heavy rain expected along parts of the Atlantic coast.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Storms that spawned tornadoes are heading toward NY. What to expect
Reporting by New York Connect Team, USA Today Network / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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