Thunderstorms, Possible Tornado, Hail In Hudson Valley Forecast

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — It was less than a week ago that it was snowing in parts of the Hudson Valley. And now we are talking about possible severe thunderstorms and a tornado. Welcome to spring in New York.

There are hazardous weather outlooks for the entire region Friday. For Columbia, Dutchess and Ulster counties, there is an enhanced risk for severe thunderstorms Friday afternoon into early evening.

The main threats will be damaging winds of 58 mph or greater and heavy rainfall, the National Weather Service said.

Large hail, 1 inch in diameter or larger, and an isolated tornado are also possible.

The weather service warns that poor drainage flooding of low lying areas and ponding of weather on roadways is possible with any thunderstorms.

The forecast for the mid-Hudson Valley from the weather service is as follows:

• Friday: Isolated showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 80. Southwest wind 9 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Friday Night: Showers and thunderstorms before 1am, then a chance of showers. Some storms could be severe, with damaging winds and heavy rain. Low around 57. Southwest wind 7 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

For Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester counties, the storm prediction center has placed the region in a slight risk for severe thunderstorms Friday afternoon and evening. The primary threat will be damaging winds.

The forecast for Westchester is as follows:

• Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Some of the storms could produce small hail and gusty winds. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. Southwest wind 7 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
• Friday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely after 2am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 61. Southwest wind 9 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

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