Severe thunderstorms and high winds are expected in western New York Thursday night and could last through Friday.
The system is expected to pass through western New York between 7pm and midnight, according to the National Weather Service.
Strong winds can cause the most damage, and large hail and “minor” floods can also occur.
Governor Kathy Hochul’s office, which tracks storms, noted that “isolated” tornadoes are also possible.
Parts of Chautauqua and Cataraugas counties are most at risk from severe thunderstorms, Hochol’s office said. The area of Chautauqua County, which stretches from Ripley to Dunkirk, was under severe thunderstorm warnings early Thursday afternoon.
Others are reading…
Severe thunderstorm warnings for Dunkirk, NY, Fredonia, NY, and Westfield, NY through 3:15 p.m. EDT pic.twitter.com/KaPXXk3efB
— NWS Serious Storm (@NWSSevereTstorm) July 20, 2023
Hochul said in a statement that state officials are ready to help local governments with personnel and equipment in the event of flooding or power outages.
We are closely following the severe weather forecast for tonight and tomorrow, with the greatest impact expected in Western New York, Finger Lakes and Southern Tier regions.
Be aware of the local weather forecast and be careful. Register for emergency alerts: https://t.co/ELyoVQXm1n https://t.co/eJy81rLTxt
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) July 20, 2023
Severe thunderstorms are also expected in Finger Lakes and Southern Tier.
Thursday’s storm came weeks after heavy rains and flash floods killed a woman and affected millions in the Hudson Valley region and New England.
