Severe Thunderstorm Watch For Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Westchester

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester counties. It's in effect until 8 p.m. Monday, four years to the day since a line of severe storms brought severe damage to the region.

It joins the alert issued for the mid-Hudson region. SEE: Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued For Mid-Hudson Valley

The National Weather Service also warns that coastal flooding is possible in Southern Westchester. The special statement says up to one-half foot of inundation above ground level is expected in vulnerable areas near the waterfront and shoreline through late tonight.

Across the region, governments and businesses are making preparations.

• Ossining has canceled all afterschool activities
• Red Hook schools dismissed students early.
• Chappaqua schools have canceled afterschool activities.
• Putnam Closing Early, Stopping Transportation Before Storms
• Mount Pleasant school district cancels afterschool activities.
• Utility companies are mobilizing emergency responses to repair damage and restore electric service interruptions.
• MTA Bridges and Tunnels banned empty tractor-trailers and tandem trucks from 2 p.m. through 10 p.m.

"While any location within the area at risk for severe storms into Monday evening can experience torrential downpours, damaging wind gusts and hail, it is within the area of greatest risk where widespread gusts of 60-70 mph are most likely to occur within storms, with an AccuWeather Local StormMax™ of 80 mph," said Mary Gilbert, AccuWeather meteorologist. "Winds of this magnitude can lead to downed trees and power lines and can also cause some trouble for high-profile vehicles traveling along area roadways."

Click here for safety tips during storms. Prep For Severe Storms, Damaging Winds: Hudson Valley Update

It's four years to the day since a line of storms brought severe damage to the Hudson Valley.

REMEMBER:

• Metro-North Limits Wednesday AM Service After Tuesday Storm
• Cuomo Declares States Of Emergency In Several HV Counties
• Tornado Spotted In Hudson Valley Tuesday
• Preliminary Storm Damage Report: National Weather Service
• School Closings, Delays In Storm's Aftermath
• 137,336 Out Of Power Wednesday AM In The Hudson Valley