Severe thunderstorms producing damaging winds, hail and heavy rain moved across parts of Upstate New York Wednesday evening, with multiple severe thunderstorm and flash flood warnings issued.
The National Weather Service warned of wind gusts up to 60 mph, quarter-size hail and torrential rainfall in several areas.
Where severe thunderstorm warnings are in effect
As of Wednesday evening, severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for parts of:
- Ontario County
- Livingston County
- Schuyler County
- Yates County
- Steuben County
- Sullivan County
The warnings generally were in effect through about 7:15 p.m., although expiration times varied by location.
A storm near Bloomfield in Ontario County was moving east at about 25 mph and threatened areas including Canandaigua, Geneva, Bristol, Gorham and Honeoye.
Another storm near Naples was moving east toward parts of Ontario and Livingston counties.
A separate
severe thunderstorm was located near Pulteney in the Finger Lakes and was moving east toward parts of Yates, Schuyler and Steuben counties.
The storms were capable of producing 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail, according to the National Weather Service.
Flash flood warnings issued
Flash flood warnings were also issued for parts of Steuben and Chemung counties after thunderstorms dropped 1 to 2 inches of rain.
The warning included West Elmira, Southport, Caton, Pine City and Sagetown and was in effect through 8:45 p.m.
Forecasters warned of flash flooding in small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets, underpasses and other low-lying or poorly drained areas.
Storms could cause damage
The National Weather Service warned that the strongest storms could produce:
- Wind gusts up to 60 mph
- Quarter-size hail
- Damage to trees, roofs and siding
- Heavy rainfall
- Flash flooding
Anyone in a warning area should move indoors to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
Drivers should never attempt to cross a flooded roadway. "Turn around, don't drown" remains the National Weather Service's advice because floodwaters can be deeper and faster-moving than they appear.
If you're near a lake or other body of water, move to safe shelter when thunderstorms approach. Lightning can strike well away from the main storm.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Severe thunderstorm warnings issued for upstate NY; flash flood warnings also in effect
