Governor Hochul Urges New Yorkers to Prepare For Severe Weather Expected to Impact Parts of Upstate Through Wednesday Evening

Parts of the Southern Tier, Central New York, Mohawk Valley, Capital Region, Mid-Hudson and North Country Regions at Risk for Severe Storms Wednesday

Primary Concerns are Damaging Wind Gusts, Large Hail, and Heavy Rain That Could Cause Power Outages, Downed Tree Limbs and Power Lines, and Flash Flooding

New Yorkers Urged to Use Caution and Stay Alert to Rapidly Changing Weather Conditions

Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to prepare for severe thunderstorms that are forecast to affect parts of the Southern Tier, Central NY, Mohawk Valley, Capital Region, Mid-Hudson Valley and North Country regions beginning this afternoon and continuing through tonight. The threats of these storms are damaging wind gusts of up to 60 mph, hail up to one inch in diameter, and heavy rain that may lead to isolated flash flooding. Impacts from severe storms could also include power outages and downed tree limbs and power lines. Governor Hochul urged New Yorkers to use caution and stay alert in areas expected to be impacted by severe weather for rapidly changing conditions this afternoon and evening.

“Severe thunderstorms are forecast to move across the state today, bringing with them the threat of damaging winds, large hail and heavy rain that could lead to flash flooding,” Governor Hochul said. “Many State agencies are preparing emergency response assets in the event that local governments need our assistance, and we are in close contact with communities across the state to ensure they are prepared. I encourage all New Yorkers in the path of these storms to keep a close eye on their local weather forecasts and plan accordingly.”

State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “We expect thunderstorms later today including potentially severe thunderstorms that could bring damaging wind and hail. Stay alert today as you go about your day, and make sure to listen to local weather forecasts before going out this evening.”

For a complete listing of weather alerts and forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website at https://alerts.weather.gov. New Yorkers are also encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts by subscribing to NY Alert at https://alert.ny.gov, a free service providing critical emergency information to your cell phone or computer.