Weather Alert: Strong thunderstorms expected to impact Rochester region
The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a weather alert predicting strong thunderstorms Friday morning in an eight-county region in western New York.
The alert, which covers Monroe, Wayne, Wyoming, Erie, Livingston, Orleans, Genesee and Ontario counties, says that storms are expected to continue until 11:45 a.m.
Heavy downpours and flashes of lightning moved through Penfield around 11:20 a.m.
As of 9:45 a.m., Doppler radar detected strong thunderstorms along a line extending from near Hilton to six miles northwest of the hamlet of Chaffee in Erie County. The storms are moving eastward at a speed of 15 mph. The main hazard associated with these storms is winds exceeding 40 mph, according to the Weather Service. Heavy rain and pea-sized hail are also concerns.
Weather Service Meteorologist Jim Mitchell said although rain and storms with gusty winds were previously predicted to move through the region on Friday afternoon, the morning storm - which is the actual cold front coming through western New York - "should be the main wave" of the storm.
Rochester area residents could still see some scattered, light showers as the day progresses, Mitchell said.
The impact of these gusty winds could result in the knocking down of tree limbs and the blowing around of unsecured objects. Residents in the impacted areas, including Rochester, Greece, Irondequoit, Chili, Batavia, Canandaigua, Brockport, Geneseo, and others should take precautions.
Outdoor activities should be avoided, and seeking shelter inside a sturdy building is advisable, according to the special weather statement. Additionally, be aware of the potential for torrential rainfall, which may lead to localized flooding. Avoid driving through flooded roadways, according to the alert.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Rochester NY Weather: Alert issued for strong thunderstorms in region
