An unusually powerful storm system is expected to bring damaging winds, heavy downpours and scattered thunderstorms across the Finger Lakes and Central New York today, creating hazardous travel conditions and increasing the risk of power outages throughout the region.
Forecasters say the low-pressure system moving through the Great Lakes is exceptionally strong for mid-June. The storm is forecast to track into southern Ontario today before stalling, producing widespread wind gusts of 45 to 55 mph across much of Upstate New York.
High Wind Warnings and advisories cover much of the region
The National Weather Service has issued High Wind Warnings for several counties, including Monroe, Ontario, Livingston, Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua and Erie counties, where southwest wind gusts could reach 55 mph through 8 p.m.
Elsewhere, Wind Advisories are in effect across much of the Finger Lakes and Central New York, including Yates, Seneca, Southern Cayuga, Wayne, Steuben, Onondaga, Madison and Oneida counties. Most locations can expect sustained winds between 15 and 30 mph with frequent gusts between 45 and 50 mph.
Meteorologists say the biggest concern is the time of year. Trees are fully leafed out, creating greater wind resistance and increasing the likelihood of fallen limbs, uprooted trees and scattered power outages.
Showers and thunderstorms move through today
Several rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected from the morning into the early afternoon as a cold front sweeps eastward across the state.
Periods of heavy rain are possible, particularly within stronger thunderstorms. Most areas are expected to receive between a quarter-inch and three-quarters of an inch of rainfall, although localized higher amounts are possible where storms repeatedly move over the same locations.
The strongest storms could produce damaging wind gusts in excess of 55 mph. While widespread severe weather is not expected, forecasters note that today’s environment features strong wind energy in the atmosphere, meaning even relatively weak thunderstorms could transfer damaging winds to the surface.
Areas from the Genesee Valley eastward, including much of Central New York, remain under a marginal risk for severe weather.
Travel impacts likely across the Finger Lakes
Drivers should prepare for challenging conditions throughout the day, especially on roads exposed to crosswinds.
High-profile vehicles such as tractor-trailers, campers, buses and delivery trucks may experience sudden gusts capable of affecting vehicle control. Motorists should also be alert for debris, downed tree limbs and isolated power outages affecting traffic signals.
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Communities including Canandaigua, Geneva, Penn Yan, Seneca Falls, Waterloo, Newark, Auburn and Rochester could experience the strongest winds during the late morning and afternoon hours as winds shift from south to southwest behind the advancing cold front.
Lakeshore flooding possible near Lake Ontario
Strong west-southwest winds may also cause minor lakeshore flooding along the eastern end of Lake Ontario.
A Lakeshore Flood Warning is in effect for Oswego and Jefferson counties beginning this afternoon and continuing through Friday evening. Forecasters say elevated lake levels, combined with strong winds and wave action, could cause minor flooding in low-lying shoreline areas.
Water levels may also rise along portions of the St. Lawrence River as persistent southwest winds push water toward the Thousand Islands region.
Dangerous conditions on area lakes
Boaters are being urged to stay off area waters if possible as conditions deteriorate.
Gale Warnings are in effect on portions of Lake Erie, while Small Craft Advisories cover Lake Ontario, the Niagara River and the St. Lawrence River. Strong winds and rough waves will create hazardous conditions through at least tonight, with elevated wave action likely lingering into Friday.
Cooler and quieter weather ahead
Conditions will gradually improve tonight as showers diminish and the strongest winds begin to ease. Breezy conditions are expected to continue into Friday as the storm system slowly weakens over Quebec.
High pressure will build into the region Friday and remain in control through much of the weekend, bringing cooler temperatures, lower humidity and generally dry conditions.
A few isolated afternoon showers remain possible during the weekend, but forecasters expect significantly calmer weather compared to today’s storm.
Residents are encouraged to secure outdoor furniture, trash containers and other loose objects, avoid parking beneath large trees when possible and prepare for the possibility of scattered power outages through this evening.
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