SYRACUSE, NY (WSYR-TV) — A Severe T-Storm Watch continues for most of Central New York, including the Syracuse area, until 9 p.m. due to the potential of severe thunderstorms across the region.
When does the storm risk diminish?
Increasingly warm and humid air has spread into Central New York Saturday afternoon ahead of an approaching cold front. As this front crosses through the region this evening, storms quickly sweep southeast of Syracuse and the severe threat will diminish around or just after sunset.
What are the greatest risks with these storms?
The greatest risk with the storms will be damaging winds of 60+ mph. Strong winds could cause damage such as knocking down trees or tree limbs. Wind damage has the potential to cause at least scattered power outages in the region too.
Also, there could be some large hail the size of quarters or larger with torrential rains. Even with the dry weather of the past week and a half, that rain could lead to isolated/localized flash flooding.
The winds in the lower atmosphere are also favorable for a couple of isolated tornadoes.
If a warning were to be issued for your area, you must seek shelter immediately. Go to the lowest, most interior room of your home like your basement. If you’re not home, then seek shelter in the nearest building.
What should I do before it gets stormy?
Like in any case where storms are a threat, make sure you have batteries for flashlights and fully charge your cell phone, so you have access to the latest weather data when you are away from your TV or computer…