The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center issued a tornado watch Wednesday afternoon covering 29 counties across New York.
Tornado Watch 645 is in effect until 11 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2. The watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms to develop, but it does not mean a tornado has been confirmed.
Counties under the tornado watch
The watch includes Allegany, Broome, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Erie, Genesee, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Madison, Monroe, Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Orleans, Oswego, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, Wayne, Wyoming and Yates counties.
Residents in the affected areas should monitor weather alerts and be prepared to seek shelter if a tornado warning is issued.
What to do if a tornado warning is issued
A tornado warning means a tornado has been detected or indicated by radar and immediate action is needed.
Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows. If you are outdoors or in a vehicle when a warning is issued, seek sturdy shelter as quickly as possible.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Tornado watch issued for 29 New York counties through 11 p.m. What to know
