The National Weather Service is warning that showers and thunderstorms could bring damaging winds and heavy rainfall to parts of western and north-central New York Monday night, with a continued risk of localized flooding through midweek.
Forecasters issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for much of western New York, including Buffalo, Rochester, the Finger Lakes, Lake Ontario shoreline and surrounding waterways.
Damaging winds, heavy rain are main threats
For Monday and Monday night, the National Weather Service says:
- Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible across western New York.
- Damaging wind gusts are the primary severe weather threat.
- Heavy rainfall could lead to localized flooding.
- Thunderstorms moving across Lake Erie, Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River could also produce damaging winds and torrential rain.
The greatest storm threat is expected Monday evening into the overnight hours.
Flash flooding risk continues through Wednesday
Forecasters say a marginal risk for excessive rainfall will continue Tuesday through Wednesday.
Slow-moving showers and thunderstorms could produce locally heavy rainfall capable of causing:
- Flash flooding in low-lying and poor-drainage areas.
- Ponding of water on roads.
- Rapid rises on small streams and creeks.
Areas included in the forecast
The outlook
covers much of western and north-central New York, including:
- Buffalo and Niagara Falls.
- Rochester and Monroe County.
- Finger Lakes communities.
- Livingston, Ontario, Allegany, Genesee and Wyoming counties.
- Wayne, Oswego, Jefferson and Lewis counties.
- Lake Erie, Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.
What residents should do
The National Weather Service urges residents to:
- Monitor the latest forecasts and weather alerts.
- Be prepared for rapidly changing conditions Monday night.
- Never drive through flooded roadways.
- Seek shelter indoors if thunderstorms approach.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Damaging storms, heavy rain possible across New York this week. What to know
