A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of central New York and northeast Pennsylvania, including areas like Binghamton, Scranton, and Wilkes-Barre. The National Weather Service has warned of potential strong storms throughout the evening, with conditions expected to worsen as the evening progresses.
Affected Areas and Timing
The severe thunderstorm watch, which is in effect until 10 p.m. Thursday, covers a total of 13 counties. These include Broome, Tioga, Otsego, and Delaware counties in New York, and Luzerne, Lackawanna, and Pike counties in Pennsylvania. If you’re in these areas, be prepared for heavy rain, strong winds, and lightning.
What to Expect
Residents in the storm watch zones can expect:
Damaging winds: Wind gusts could reach up to 60 mph, which can cause damage to trees, power lines, and buildings.
Hail: Some areas may experience hail, which can cause damage to crops, cars, and roofs.
Frequent lightning: The storms could produce intense lightning, creating additional risks for anyone outdoors.
Flash flooding: Heavy rain could lead to flash floods, especially along major roads like I-81, I-88, and Route 6.
Safety Measures
If you’re planning to be outdoors or traveling through the affected areas, it’s important to stay updated on the latest weather reports. Sudden downpours can quickly reduce visibility, making driving dangerous. Travelers should remain cautious, especially on highways where flash flooding can occur.
Charge your phone: Keep your devices charged in case of power outages.
Secure loose objects: If you have outdoor items like furniture or decorations, make sure they are secured to prevent them from being blown away.
Avoid outdoor activities: It’s safest to stay indoors until the storm passes, as lightning poses a serious threat.
Potential for Tornadoes
While tornadoes aren’t the main concern with this storm system, there’s still a chance for isolated rotation in stronger storm cells. If you hear a tornado warning or see signs of rotation, take cover immediately.
This severe weather event is the first widespread alert for the region since early June, and residents are advised to stay vigilant. While the storm watch is expected to end by 10 p.m., further weather alerts may follow, depending on how the storms progress. Stay updated with local weather reports for any changes.
