Brief Severe Thunderstorm Downs Trees In Poughkeepsie

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — A brief but powerful thunderstorm tore through Poughkeepsie Monday afternoon, knocking down trees and damaging at least one car. The storm hit without any warning from the National Weather Service, though the NWS issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the western and central parts of Dutchess County.

That warning is in effect until 5:15 p.m. Monday.

The damaged car was on Park Avenue, which is the dividing line between the city and town of Poughkeepsie.

Surprisingly, the large white tent that housed the Greek Festival over the weekend at the Hellenic Center was still standing. A few years ago, the festival's yellow and white striped tent collapsed during a thunderstorm before the festival had opened. No one was injured.

The entrance to Park Avenue at Hooker Avenue was also blocked by a fallen tree.

Heavy rain during the storm lasted about 10 minutes, with tree branches flying into windows of a condominium complex between Park and South Grand avenues.

This is a developing story. Check back with Patch for more.

Photo credit: Michael Woyton/Patch Staff.