HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Thunderstorms could become strong to severe in the Hudson Valley today, with the potential for damaging wind gusts, flash flooding and an isolated tornado, according to meteorologists.
The National Weather Service predicts rounds of showers and thunderstorms in the region this afternoon and evening.
A flood watch is in effect from noon until 11 p.m. today, and meteorologists have issued a hazardous weather outlook for southeast New York.
"There is increasing confidence for a period of heavy rainfall resulting in flash flooding for parts of the area," the National Weather Service said. "A few thunderstorms could potentially be strong to severe with the primary threat being damaging wind gusts."
Wind gusts in excess of 58 miles per hour could damage trees and power lines, resulting in scattered power outages, according to the National Weather Service.
An isolated tornado is also possible in the lower Hudson Valley, according to the National Weather Service.
It cautions there could be isolated to scattered instances of flash flooding due to the expected high rainfall rates, particularly in urban, poor drainage and low-lying areas, and quick responding rivers, streams and creeks. Storms will be capable of producing heavy downpours, and peak rainfall rates could reach two inches per hour, the National Weather Service advises.
The chance for thunderstorms lingers into Friday for the Hudson Valley.
The weekend weather is expected to improve, with both Saturday and Sunday expected to be mostly sunny, with highs in the low to mid 80s, according to the National Weather Service.
Here are the forecast details for the lower Hudson Valley area via the National Weather Service:
Today: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. High near 81. South wind 8 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 2 a.m., then a slight chance of showers between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind 5 to 7 mph becoming calm after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Friday: A slight chance of showers before 11 a.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. Light west wind. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph after midnight.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. North wind 3 to 6 mph.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 64.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.
Here are the forecast details for the Mid-Hudson Valley area via the National Weather Service:
Today: Showers and thunderstorms likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. High near 82. South wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tonight: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between midnight and 2 a.m., then a slight chance of showers after 2 a.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Patchy fog after 4 a.m. Low around 65. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Patchy fog before 9 a.m. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 84. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. Calm wind.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 83. Calm wind.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 61.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 85.
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