Thunderstorm line crosses Upstate and Central New York Sunday

A line of heavy downpours and a thunderstorm moved across many sections of Upstate and Central New York late Sunday afternoon into early evening. The weather setup carried warnings for damaging wind, hail and flash flooding, with localized minor flooding possible in poor drainage areas.

Severe thunderstorm warnings mean the strongest part of the storm can bring damaging winds of at least 58 MPH and quarter-sized hail, along with lightning and torrential rain. A flash flood warning means rapid life-threatening flooding is occurring or will soon begin, while a flood advisory points to runoff that can push small creeks and streams higher.

Upstate And Central New York

Localized minor flooding was expected in low-lying spots, underpasses and other poor drainage areas. Ponding of water was likely on some highways and streets, adding to the hazards for anyone moving through the warned area during the evening stretch.

The storm threat also carried a more serious edge in the strongest cells. Destructive wind damage was tied to 80+ MPH wind, while destructive hail damage was defined as baseball sized hail.

Severe Thunderstorm Alerts

People were told to seek shelter immediately if an EAS alert went off on a phone for a severe thunderstorm warning. Those outdoors were advised to get inside a home, strong building, car, cave or ditch; those indoors were told to move to an interior room on the lowest level and stay away from windows and doors.

Drivers were told to pull over until the storm passes and never drive through water covering the road. Even storms that do not reach severe limits can still knock out power if lightning strikes poles or power substations, which leaves the safest choice tied to the warning area and the storm’s path through Sunday evening.