Severe thunderstorms, strong winds expected Thursday night in WNY

Severe thunderstorm warnings have been issued for most of Erie, Niagara and Cattaraugus counties, according to the National Weather Service. The rest of Western New York remains under severe thunderstorm watches until 3 a.m. Friday. 

The system is expected to move through Western New York between 7 p.m. and midnight, according to the National Weather Service.

Strong winds have the potential to do the most damage, with large hail and “minor” flooding also possible.

Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office, which has been tracking the storm, noted that “isolated” tornadoes are also possible.

The risk of severe thunderstorms is highest in parts of Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties, Hochul’s office said. A stretch of Chautauqua County, spanning from Ripley to Dunkirk, was under a severe thunderstorm warning early Thursday afternoon.

State officials are ready to assist local governments with personnel and equipment in the event of flooding or power outages, Hochul said in a statement.

Severe thunderstorms are also expected in the Finger Lakes and Southern Tier. 

Thursday’s storm comes weeks after torrential downpours and flash flooding killed one woman and affected millions in the Hudson Valley region and New England.