Severe weather safety: Thunderstorms

Posted May 6th, 2009 by Bill Kardas. 71 comments

Traditionally, late May and June are pretty active months for severe weather in Central New York.  It's important that we go over some details about severe weather.  This article comes from Matt Lanza back in May 2007, and I think it's worth taking another look at if you didn't already the first time.

What is a Severe Thunderstorm?

We all know what a thunderstorm is. But believe it or not, lightning has absolutely nothing to do with defining a storm as severe. A severe thunderstorm has a set of parameters which can be measured in order to be verified. For a storm to be classified as severe it must meet one or both of the following two requirements:

1.) Winds of 58 mph or stronger.
2.) Hail of 3/4" in diameter or larger (penny size)

When we say "severe thunderstorms," this is what we mean. Additionally, a severe thunderstorm may spawn a tornado, but that is not a requirement for severe weather. Lightning is possible in every thunderstorm, but it is not a requirement for a "severe thunderstorm," although many severe thunderstorms do contain a significant amount of cloud to ground lightning.

What is the difference between a Severe Thunderstorm Watch and a Severe Thunderstorm Warning?

This is quite possibly the most commonly confusing issue people have during severe weather. This will clarify it for you!

When a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is issued, it means that severe thunderstorms (as defined above) are possible over the next several hours. It does not necessarily mean that your backyard will see a severe thunderstorm. But it basically means that conditions in our region are favorable for the development of severe storms over the course of the watch duration. If you hear that a watch has been issued, your best bet is to keep tabs on the conditions. For our purposes, you could check the Weather Blog or wktv.com for the latest. And be prepared to take action if severe weather develops.

When a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued, it means that a severe thunderstorm is imminent or occurring. It basically means that severe weather is happening, so you'll want to get inside and away from windows. Warnings are issued by County. Since our area is split by 3 different NWS offices, the source of your warning may be different. NWS Albany covers Hamilton, Herkimer, Fulton and Montgomery Counties. NWS Binghamton covers Oneida, Madison, Chenango, Otsego and Delaware Counties. NWS Buffalo covers Lewis County. Warnings used to be issued on a county by county basis. They still are, but the NWS has taken up a system known as "polygon warnings." An example would be as follows: Instead of warning all of Oneida County for an isolated storm that goes through Boonville, the NWS will issue a polygon warning for just the northern tier of Oneida County, based on the track of the storm. So you won't always need to take cover in Utica for a severe storm in Oneida County. That's where we come in. We'll let you know what towns or areas are impacted by severe weather as it happens.

So to summarize: A Watch means that severe weather is possible, but not necessarily happening at that moment. A Warning means that severe weather is happening, and you should take shelter and remain indoors until the warning expires or is cancelled.

To be the most prepared for severe weather, you should know what county you live in and what towns or counties are near your community.

What do you do when a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued?

Get inside. Period. Don't even wait for a warning to be issued. If you hear thunder and you are outdoors, you are at risk. So minimize the threat to yourself and do yourself a favor and get inside. On a golf course? Forget the chip shot, just mark your ball and get to the club house as fast as possible. Many golf courses come equiped with lightning detection systems, so on some (not all) courses, a siren may sound if lightning is in the vicinity. Heed those warnings.

If you cannot possibly make it indoors, get in your car. If you don't have a car, well find the lowest possible ground you can... a cave or a ditch. Do not try to get near water. If you're near water, get to shore ASAP.

Assuming you do make inside a building, stay on the lower levels and in an interior room if you can. Don't use electronics and do not use the phone (unless you have an emergency)! Now, if you have a cell phone or a cordless phone, you can use those...indoors only and away from the charger or base. Do not use a cell outdoors. Power down your computer if at all possible. Unplug it too if you can, but make sure you do this before the storm hits. Stay away from windows. Don't take a bath or shower either.

All of this sounds awfully silly and overprotective, right? There has been at least one person who did not follow those rules that has been injured or killed because of lightning strikes in thunderstorms. It's easy to get the "I am invincible" feeling and the "it can't happen to me" syndrome can run rampant. Don't fall victim to either of those, and just deal with the inconvenience...you'll be much better off. We aren't joking around when we talk about these things. More people are killed by lightning outdoors in open fields than anywhere else outdoors. Open fields = sporting events. It can wait. Too many people are killed because of this...just pick up the game later.

More on Lightning

If you're outdoors and there is a storm nearby and you suddenly feel your hair begin to stand up or see the hair on your arms stand up, you may be the target of a lightning strike. Get on the ground, but do not lie flat. Stay on your knees, bend forward and put your hands on your head. Sure, it sounds silly, but it has happened to other people before and it will happen again.

For more lightning safety tips, click here.

Loads of info on lightning can be found here.

The Official NWS Page on Lightning Safety

Tags:

Add a Comment

Comments

  1. Jeff H (Sherburne Hills):

    Another damp and dreary day….Where did the sun run away too??

    Posted May 7th at 10:51 AM

  2. Jmd (Fonda):

    WKTV team or bloggers….I need a “refresher”....brief explanation of “forcing?”

    as in this statement from NWS: “ALTHOUGH FORCING FOR ASCENT SHOULD BE STRONGER INTO NY AHEAD OF THE GREAT LAKES TROUGH...WEAK INSTABILITY SHOULD LIMIT THE OVERALL SEVERE WEATHER THREAT.”
    Let me take a stab here….is this a pressure thing?

    Posted May 7th at 12:27 PM

  3. Jmd (Fonda):

    Since it’s kind of quiet here, may I ask a question? Can someone explain “forcing” as in this statement from NWS:
    ALTHOUGH FORCING FOR ASCENT SHOULD BE STRONGER INTO NY AHEAD OF THE GREAT LAKES TROUGH...WEAK INSTABILITY SHOULD LIMIT THE OVERALL SEVERE WEATHER THREAT.
    Is this pressure related causing storms to form? Thanks in advance.

    Posted May 7th at 12:31 PM

  4. Jmd (Fonda):

    Sorry for the double post, having problems with foxfire since this week’s update.

    Posted May 7th at 12:34 PM

  5. Michael- (Dolgeville):

    Jmd: Forcing is a term used by meteorologists to describe the situation where a change or an event in one part of the atmosphere causes a strengthening change in another part of the atmosphere. It is usually used to describe connections between upper, middle or lower levels (such as upper-level divergence causing lower level convergence in cyclone formation), but can sometimes also be used to describe such connections over distance rather than height alone. In some respects, tele-connections could be considered a type of forcing.

    SOURCE: Wikipedia

    Posted May 7th at 2:01 PM

  6. Adam Musyt:

    Jmd,

    To put it simply, “forcing” means that air is forced upward. Upward motion of air leads to expansion, cooling and condensation.

    So basically, air is “forced” upward where there is a triggering mechanism. A triggering mechanism could be a boundary between air masses, like a front, or a lake breeze or sea breeze boundary. It could also be terrain, like when fast moving air encounters a mountain range and it has nowhere to go but up.

    “Forcing” is generally associated with inclement weather.

    I hope that helps.

    Posted May 7th at 4:26 PM

  7. Rob (Whitesboro):

    Looks like we finally have a chance for storms tomorrow. Maybe even today if we’re lucky. That derecho developing in Kansas looks very impressive on satellite/radar!

    Posted May 8th at 7:55 AM

  8. Rob (Whitesboro):

    It’ll be interesting to see how cold we get after the storms tomorrow evening. The NAM almost looks cold enough for some snow flakes on the Tug into the Adk’s on Mother’s Day morning….again.

    Posted May 8th at 1:21 PM

  9. Michael- (Dolgeville):

    71 degrees here. Rob, remember last year around the 17th of May the Camden tornado? I think right around the same time we were worried about frost and some snowflakes also.
    SPC has us in a 5% chance of severe weather for tomorrow.

    Posted May 8th at 2:37 PM

  10. Rob (Whitesboro):

    Yeah I think I recall that. Monday morning looks to be a better bet for frost but no flakes. Hopefully it doesn’t get too cold. Starting to see some pop ups on radar now. That derecho is producing winds of over 100mph now in parts of the Ohio valley.

    Posted May 8th at 2:41 PM

  11. Kenny (South utica):

    looks like the cells firing in the finger lakes and along the lake shore might be getting a little kick to them…a couple special weather statements and even a warning now.

    Posted May 8th at 3:43 PM

  12. Rob (Whitesboro):

    That storm by Oneida lake has a some weak on and off rotation with it. That was formed off a lake breeze boundary. For some reason that always adds a little twist to the storm. Last years wall cloud in Syracuse formed off a lake brezze as well.

    Posted May 8th at 4:29 PM

  13. Adam Musyt:

    Bill Kardas mentioned that he saw some small hail with a thunderstorm to the east of Herkimer about an hour ago.

    Posted May 8th at 5:05 PM

  14. Adam Musyt:

    Downpour with some intermittent lightning and thunder here on the hill.

    Posted May 8th at 5:59 PM

  15. Michael- (Dolgeville):

    Lost power here for about half an hour.

    Posted May 8th at 9:15 PM

  16. Debbie:

    I am in Oswego and we have a big party planned for tomorrow afternoon. When does it look like the rain and/or thunderstorms may approach this area tomorrow? Will our party get rained out.

    Posted May 8th at 11:03 PM

  17. Adam Musyt:

    Debbie,

    A hit or miss shower is possible at any time, but the more widespread showers and thunderstorms look most likely after 3 PM.

    Posted May 8th at 11:07 PM

  18. Jill Reale (Utica):

    SPC has us in the slight risk for severe weather today. If we see enough sunshine, there may be a few strong to severe thunderstorms. The main threat is going to be wind and small hail. Even as the cold front moves through, winds will pick up between 20-40mph so put the lawn furniture away later this afternoon.

    Posted May 9th at 6:50 AM

  19. Rob (Whitesboro):

    Looks like a fun day ahead. 00Z models are showing enough shear around to make things interesting. Mesocyclones seem very possible late this afternoon. Keep an eye to the sky!

    Posted May 9th at 6:55 AM

  20. Rob (Whitesboro):

    Jill what layer of the atmosphere to you look at to see if shear is strong? For instance on the RUC, there are 0-6km bulk shear and also 0-8km bulk shear values. Which one do you want to see stronger for supercell activity?

    Posted May 9th at 7:01 AM

  21. Jill Reale (Utica):

    Rob, the deeper the shear, the better, so 0-8km would work the best but 0-6km is still a good indicator for supercell activity. You are looking for 50 kts or greater for supercell and 30-50 kts for multicell activity.

    Posted May 9th at 9:27 AM

  22. Michael- (Dolgeville):

    61 degrees here. With strong post frontal winds combined with pre frontal thunderstorms, I think its going to be a busy afternoon. I wouldn’t rule out the chance of some super cells either considering the wind fields out there today along with CAPE values between 500-1000j/kg.

    Posted May 9th at 9:49 AM

  23. Rob (Whitesboro):

    Ok Jill thanks. I saw your trivia question this morning and I wasn’t aware of the new criteria for hail. I think that’s a good idea and should cut out some of the warnings that really don’t need to be issued. Looks like lots of sunshine heading this way!

    Posted May 9th at 10:20 AM

  24. Rob (Whitesboro):

    Latest RUC has the 0-8km shear over 90kts already!

    Posted May 9th at 10:26 AM

  25. Cory:

    Are we expecting tornado’s today? I am really nervous.

    Posted May 9th at 12:10 PM

  26. Cory:

    Are we expecting tornado’s today? I am really nervous.

    Posted May 9th at 12:10 PM

  27. Jeff H (Sherburne Hills):

    Lots of sun and lots of instability, very strong cluster of storms forming in Ontario with frequent lightning strikes

    Posted May 9th at 12:17 PM

  28. Michael- (Dolgeville):

    Storm Prediction Center has a mesoscale discussion up about a possible severe weather watch for much of NY state.
    STORMS ARE EXPECTED TO DEVELOP EWD THROUGH NY AND EVENTUALLY INTO VT THIS AFTERNOON. LARGE HAIL...DAMAGING WIND AND ISOLATED TORNADOES WILL BE POSSIBLE. WW WILL LIKELY BE NEEDED BEFORE 17Z.”

    Posted May 9th at 12:21 PM

  29. Michael- (Dolgeville):

    Temperature is up to 70 here and it feels pretty humid too. Sun is winning the battle here as well.

    Posted May 9th at 12:27 PM

  30. Rob (Whitesboro):

    I wouldn’t be surprised if they did issue a tornado watch. Besides the marginal instabilty, the other parameters definitely would warrant that type of watch box. it’s 73 degrees here with a dew of 60.

    Posted May 9th at 12:36 PM

  31. Michael- (Dolgeville):

    That was what I thought too Rob. If you look at the SPC convective outlook and then go to Tornado probabilities they have us in a 5% risk of tornadoes, 15% risk for hail, and a 30% risk for wind.

    Posted May 9th at 12:43 PM

  32. Rob (Whitesboro):

    Watch Box up for severe thunderstorms now untill 7PM.

    Posted May 9th at 12:44 PM

  33. Jill Reale:

    Severe Thnderstorm Watch for all of the viewing area until 7PM

    Posted May 9th at 12:46 PM

  34. Mike(Rome):

    So there is a possibility of tornadoes today?

    Posted May 9th at 1:28 PM

  35. Mike(Rome):

    WUUS51 KBUF 091728
    SVRBUF
    NYC045-091830-
    /O.NEW.KBUF.SV.W.0006.090509T1728Z-090509T1830Z/

    BULLETINEAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
    SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
    NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BUFFALO NY
    128 PM EDT SAT MAY 9 2009

    THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BUFFALO HAS ISSUED A

    • SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR...
    JEFFERSON COUNTY IN CENTRAL NEW YORK

    • UNTIL 230 PM EDT

    • AT 128 PM EDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
    SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING PENNY SIZE HAIL...AND DAMAGING WINDS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH. THIS STORM WAS LOCATED 12 MILES WEST OF WATERTOWN...AND MOVING NORTHEAST AT 40 MPH.

    • THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WILL BE NEAR...
    WATERTOWN BY 150 PM EDT... CALCIUM BY 200 PM EDT... FORT DRUM BY 205 PM EDT...

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

    THIS IS A DANGEROUS STORM. IF YOU ARE IN THE PATH...PREPARE
    IMMEDIATELY FOR DAMAGING WINDS...DESTRUCTIVE HAIL...AND DEADLY CLOUD
    TO GROUND LIGHTNING. PEOPLE OUTSIDE SHOULD MOVE TO A SHELTER...
    PREFERABLY INSIDE A STRONG BUILDING BUT AWAY FROM WINDOWS.

    &&

    LAT...LON 4431 7571 4396 7562 4387 7619 4388 7621 4386 7623 4389 7624 4390 7615 4394 7615 4399 7607 4395 7616 4399 7622 4396 7625 4401 7627 4404 7621 4399 7621 4401 7616 4406 7617
    TIME...MOT...LOC 1728Z 254DEG 28KT 4394 7615

    $$

    HITCHCOCK

    071

    Posted May 9th at 1:36 PM

  36. Jill Reale (Utica):

    THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BUFFALO HAS ISSUED A

    • SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR...
    NORTHEAST JEFFERSON COUNTY IN CENTRAL NEW YORK NORTHERN LEWIS COUNTY IN CENTRAL NEW YORK

    • UNTIL 245 PM EDT

    • AT 146 PM EDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
    SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING PENNY SIZE HAIL...AND DAMAGING WINDS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH. THIS STORM WAS LOCATED 7 MILES NORTHWEST OF WEST CARTHAGE...OR NEAR FORT DRUM...AND MOVING EAST AT 45 MPH.

    • THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WILL BE NEAR...
    NATURAL BRIDGE BY 200 PM EDT... HARRISVILLE BY 215 PM EDT...

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

    THIS IS A DANGEROUS STORM. IF YOU ARE IN THE PATH...PREPARE
    IMMEDIATELY FOR DAMAGING WINDS...DESTRUCTIVE HAIL...AND DEADLY CLOUD
    TO GROUND LIGHTNING. PEOPLE OUTSIDE SHOULD MOVE TO A SHELTER...
    PREFERABLY INSIDE A STRONG BUILDING BUT AWAY FROM WINDOWS.

    Posted May 9th at 1:51 PM

  37. Jill Reale (Utica):

    Nice cell developing just south of Boonville

    Posted May 9th at 2:00 PM

  38. Jeff H (Sherburne Hills):

    lines starting to stretch down from the lake to the PA border, very strong southerly winds here in Chenango cty. I am at work so if we get any damage reports I will be sure to pass them along.

    Posted May 9th at 2:20 PM

  39. Jill Reale (Utica):

    THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN ALBANY HAS ISSUED A

    • SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR...
    NORTHWESTERN HAMILTON COUNTY IN EASTERN NEW YORK... NORTHWESTERN HERKIMER COUNTY IN EASTERN NEW YORK...

    • UNTIL 315 PM EDT

    • AT 219 PM EDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
    SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING PENNY SIZE HAIL...AND DAMAGING WINDS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH. THIS STORM WAS LOCATED 37 MILES WEST OF LAKE EATON CAMPGROUND...OR 27 MILES NORTHWEST OF OLD FORGE...AND MOVING EAST AT 40 MPH.

    • THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WILL BE NEAR...
    9 MILES NORTH OF LYON LAKE BY 230 PM EDT... 8 MILES NORTH OF PARTLOW BY 245 PM EDT... 7 MILES NORTH OF NEHASANE AND 7 MILES NORTH OF LAKE LILA BY 250 PM EDT... SABATTIS AND ROBINWOOD BY 255 PM EDT... LITTLE TUPPER LAKE BY 305 PM EDT...

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

    IN ADDITION TO LARGE HAIL AND DAMAGING WINDS...CONTINUOUS CLOUD TO
    GROUND LIGHTNING IS OCCURRING WITH THIS STORM. MOVE INDOORS
    IMMEDIATELY! LIGHTNING IS ONE OF NATURES NUMBER ONE KILLERS.
    REMEMBER...IF YOU CAN HEAR THUNDER...YOU ARE CLOSE ENOUGH TO BE
    STRUCK BY LIGHTNING.

    PLEASE REPORT HAIL SIZE...DAMAGING WINDS AND REPORTS OF TREES DOWN TO
    THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BY EMAIL AT ALB.STORMREPORT@NOAA.GOV.

    A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 700 PM EDT
    SATURDAY EVENING FOR EASTERN NEW YORK AND SOUTHERN VERMONT.

    Posted May 9th at 2:21 PM

  40. Jill Reale (Utica):

    To comment on Kardas’ blog, the National Weather Service has changed its warning criteria as of April 2009. In order for a thunderstorm to be severe it now has to have an inch in diameter for hail, not 3/4”

    Posted May 9th at 2:50 PM

  41. Chris ( Holland Patent ):

    I will send anything along as well for any severe weather, if any happens. Looks like business is picking up over west central new york new syracuse and east of rochester. No Tornadic activity expected but one storm crossing very northern Lewis County had a TVS for about 10 minutes, that was about 30 minutes ago

    Posted May 9th at 2:50 PM

  42. Jill Reale (Utica):

    Thunderstorms will be moving into Madison and Oneida Counties within the hour.

    Posted May 9th at 2:58 PM

  43. Michael- (Dolgeville):

    76 degrees and sunny here. Most of the activity seems to be moving to the north of us. The storms southwest of the valley look like garden variety storms.

    Posted May 9th at 3:13 PM

  44. Jill Reale (Utica):

    THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BINGHAMTON HAS ISSUED A

    • SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR...
    NORTHERN CHENANGO COUNTY IN CENTRAL NEW YORK... NORTHERN OTSEGO COUNTY IN CENTRAL NEW YORK...

    • UNTIL 400 PM EDT

    • AT 311 PM EDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
    SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING NICKEL SIZE HAIL. THIS STORM WAS LOCATED NEAR PLYMOUTH...AND MOVING EAST AT 55 MPH.

    • THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WILL BE NEAR...
    SHERBURNE BY 320 PM EDT... NEW BERLIN AND COLUMBUS BY 325 PM EDT... PITTSFIELD BY 330 PM EDT... EDMESTON BY 335 PM EDT... EXETER CENTER AND HARTWICK BY 345 PM EDT... COOPERSTOWN...BOWERSTOWN...HYDE PARK AND INDEX BY 350 PM EDT...

    PLEASE REPORT HAIL...OR DAMAGING WINDS TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER
    SERVICE BY CALLING TOLL FREE AT 1-877-633-6772…OR BY EMAIL AT
    BGM.STORMREPORT@NOAA.GOV.

    Posted May 9th at 3:14 PM

  45. Andy Forestport:

    I saw pinks and purple on radar 20 miles north of Old Forge. It must have gotten real bad there…

    Posted May 9th at 3:25 PM

  46. Chris ( Holland Patent :

    ... Strong thunderstorm will affect central Oneida and northwestern
    Madison counties…

    • at 323 PM EDT... National Weather Service Doppler radar indicated a

    strong thunderstorm. This storm was located near Sylvan Beach…
    and moving east at 50 mph.

    • The strong thunderstorm will be near…

    Rome and Delta Lake at 335 PM EDT...
    griffiss AFB and Floyd at 340 PM EDT...
    Holland Patent and Stittville at 345 PM EDT...
    Barneveld and Trenton at 350 PM EDT...
    Trenton Falls and Prospect at 355 PM EDT...

    This storm has the potential to become severe and produce large hail
    and/or damaging winds.

    Posted May 9th at 3:35 PM

  47. Chris (Holland Patent Weather Observer):

    Heavy Rain with some thunder. Winds whipping here as well

    Posted May 9th at 3:46 PM

  48. Sarah:

    Super windy here in N Utica…dark clouds skirting around us.

    Posted May 9th at 3:53 PM

  49. Jill Reale (Utica):

    THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN ALBANY HAS ISSUED A

    • SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR...
    SOUTHWESTERN HAMILTON COUNTY IN EASTERN NEW YORK... CENTRAL HERKIMER COUNTY IN EASTERN NEW YORK... NORTHWESTERN FULTON COUNTY IN EASTERN NEW YORK...

    • UNTIL 445 PM EDT

    • AT 351 PM EDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
    SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING PENNY SIZE HAIL...AND DAMAGING WINDS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH. THIS STORM WAS LOCATED 6 MILES NORTHWEST OF POLAND...OR NEAR HINCKLEY...AND MOVING EAST AT 45 MPH.

    • THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WILL BE NEAR...
    COLD BROOK...NORTHWOOD AND 6 MILES NORTH OF NEWPORT BY 400 PM EDT... OHIO BY 405 PM EDT...

    Posted May 9th at 3:53 PM

  50. Jeff H (Sherburne Hills):

    Tremendous amount of rain falling at this time, looks like it is trying to train…..

    Posted May 9th at 3:55 PM

  51. Jill Reale (Utica):

    THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BINGHAMTON HAS ISSUED A

    • SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR...
    ONEIDA COUNTY IN CENTRAL NEW YORK...

    • UNTIL 445 PM EDT

    • AT 402 PM EDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
    SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING NICKEL SIZE HAIL...AND DAMAGING WINDS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH. THIS STORM WAS LOCATED NEAR VIENNA...AND MOVING EAST AT 60 MPH.

    • THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WILL BE NEAR...
    LEE AND ROME BY 410 PM EDT... DELTA LAKE BY 415 PM EDT... 6 MILES NORTH OF FLOYD BY 420 PM EDT... STEUBEN AND HOLLAND PATENT BY 425 PM EDT... REMSEN...TRENTON...BARNVELD AND TRENTON FALLS BY 430 PM EDT...

    Posted May 9th at 4:05 PM

  52. Justin (Whitesboro):

    sunshine has re-emerged here….did the storm pass right over us?

    Posted May 9th at 4:16 PM

  53. Jill Reale (Utica):

    Justin, just to the north of you, areas of Rome are getting hit pretty hard right now

    Posted May 9th at 4:18 PM

  54. Jeff H (Sherburne Hills):

    Sun back out here after a quick one two punch, couple reports of trees down and a lot of rain nothing too drastic yet.

    Posted May 9th at 4:21 PM

  55. Jill Reale (Utica):

    Inch hail reported in Blossvale

    Posted May 9th at 4:24 PM

  56. John (Ohio):

    Nothing here but light rain for the 4:05pm warning. Sun came back out, now very dark to the West however.

    Posted May 9th at 4:26 PM

  57. Ilion:

    HEAVY rains in Ilion for the last 7 minutes, and gusty winds. No hail. Just very heavy rain. Some thunder and lightning.

    Posted May 9th at 4:28 PM

  58. John (Ohio):

    Second wave just came through, one clap of thunder, very heavy rain for three minutes, gusty winds. Sun is back out.

    Posted May 9th at 4:44 PM

  59. Teri (deerfield):

    Par for the course here, with everything skirting around us (smith hill). Wind is going good though. I want a blinger of a storm!

    Posted May 9th at 4:49 PM

  60. Rob (Whitesboro):

    Looks like the severe threat is diminishing for us. Not even a drop of rain here. At one point I would estimate 40mph winds.

    Posted May 9th at 4:50 PM

  61. Jill Reale (Utica):

    Watch has already been cancelled for Lewis County. Most of the storms are losing their strength but the wind is going to continue and may pick up as the front passes through and the low pressure wraps around us overnight and into tomorrow. One other interesting note, we may have a frost tomorrow night as overnight lows fall back into the mid 30s, so plants may need to be covered or taken in.

    Posted May 9th at 4:59 PM

  62. Jeff H (Sherburne Hills):

    Last round just ended with some more very heavy rain, and pea size hail (reported on cocorahs). Now the sun is back out~!

    Posted May 9th at 5:02 PM

  63. bets west leyden:

    whats the forecast tonight are we gonna get plowed with the storms we have major winds up here ,,,,rainning ,,, Do we need to get the candles ready for tonight?

    Posted May 9th at 10:07 PM

  64. Jill Reale:

    Bets: Just a passing shower but the wind will continue through the overnight and into tomorrow but no thunderstorm in sight

    Posted May 9th at 10:16 PM

  65. Jill Reale (Utica):

    Frost Advisories have been issued for Southern Herkimer, Oneida, Madison, Otsego and Chenango Counties for tonight. If you have any outdoor plants, make sure you cover them or bring them indoors tonight.

    Posted May 10th at 7:30 AM

  66. MG- Whitesboro:

    I have to say that I am not someone who writes on this blog very much, but I am someone who usually checks it every day. The past few months have really been a disappointment to me, ( I can’t be alone???). Its been 5 days since the last entry. We haven’t seen anything regarding a summer long term outlook. I understand as the weather becomes quieter, the comments seen to fade a bit, but the WKTV news team should keep this alive daily. Not trying to be nasty here, just stating my opinion.

    Posted May 11th at 6:36 AM

  67. MG(Point Rock):

    MG-Whitesboro—
    While I love your initials, I don’t really agree with your comment. If you scroll up, you’ll see that Jill was answering questions and giving updates pretty regularly through the Saturday storms.
    Low here this morning was 29.

    Posted May 11th at 8:22 AM

  68. Rob (Whitesboro):

    Hit 33 degrees here briefly this morning. Didn’t see any frost.

    Posted May 11th at 8:26 AM

  69. MG- whitesboro:

    MG- Rock Point…I appreciate the feed back but that is my exact point. The only time you see anything lately is during storms. The last post was 5 days ago. I don’t mean that someone has to be on here hourly, but we used to has Spring/ Summer long term outlooks. It just seems to me that this is not kept up as well as it used to be. Again, just stating my opinion.

    Posted May 11th at 9:47 AM

  70. Justin (Utica):

    sadly, i have to agree with mg here. i, too understand that the weather has been a little “plain” here the last few days, but thats no reason for the weather team to sorta abandon the blog until there is something to talk about.

    when matt was here and the weather was boring he would post new blogs with some prior stats or comparisons….maybe we could get back to that on off days? i dunno, but as mg pointed out 4-5 days without a new blog is just kinda blah.

    Posted May 11th at 2:56 PM

  71. Adam Musyt:

    New entry is up, folks.

    Posted May 11th at 4:51 PM

Add a Comment

Only registered accounts may post comments to the blog. To register a new account or login, select the appropriate link in the header and follow the instructions. (note: all accounts are subject to approval by WKTV.)

Back to Top

Recent Comments on this Entry

Recent Entries

Top 5 Tags