Severe thunderstorms struck Central New York early Sunday morning, prompting the National Weather Service to issue an updated warning at 5:40 a.m. that remains in effect until 6:15 a.m. for Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, and Otsego counties.
Residents in affected areas should expect penny-sized hail—measuring 0.75 inches (1.9 cm)—along with damaging wind gusts reaching speeds of up to 60 mph (96 km/h).
According to the weather service, as of 5:40 a.m., severe thunderstorms were observed along a line stretching from East Freetown to near Smithville Flats, then toward Sidney and Bovina Center, moving southeast at 40 mph (64 km/h). The storms are capable of causing damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
Communities expected to be impacted include Oneonta, Norwich, Sidney, Walton, Delhi, Guilford, Roxbury, Colchester, Kortright, and Coventry.
Heavy rainfall is also occurring in connection with these storms and may trigger flash flooding in low-lying areas. Motorists are strongly urged to avoid flooded roads, as vehicles can be swept away in as little as a foot of moving water.
Lightning safety: Staying protected as storms intensify
Every year, lightning strikes the United States around 25 million times, primarily during the summer months. On average, lightning is responsible for about 20 fatalities annually. The risk intensifies as a thunderstorm approaches, peaking when it’s directly overhead and slowly decreasing as it moves away.
Key lightning precautions involve staying aware and prepared:
When outdoors, always have a lightning safety plan. Watch the skies for threatening weather and listen for thunder—it means lightning is close. Seek shelter indoors immediately if thunder is audible.
Once inside, avoid using corded phones, plumbing, and electrical appliances. Stay away from windows and doors. These steps help reduce the danger from electrical surges conducted through infrastructure.
Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder or lightning strike before resuming any outdoor activity. Even after a storm has seemingly passed, lightning can still strike.
If you’re outdoors and shelter is not available, avoid open fields, hilltops, and isolated tall trees. Stay in lower terrain such as valleys or ravines, away from metal and water sources, both of which conduct electricity efficiently and increase risk.
Driving safety: Managing wet roads during torrential downpours
During intense rain, visibility drops and roads become slick, raising the risk of accidents. The weather service advises these strategies for safer driving:
Avoid standing near culverts, drainage ditches, or other areas where swift-moving water could pose a danger.
Maintain safe distances using the two-second rule—double that distance in heavy rain.
Slow down to maintain better control. Don’t slam the brakes; instead, ease off the accelerator and steer gently.
Choose center lanes, where water accumulation is typically less severe. Outer lanes are more prone to puddles and hydroplaning.
Keep headlights on at all times to improve visibility and help others see you. Rain-streaked windows can obscure other vehicles, especially in blind spots.
The first 30 minutes after rainfall begins are especially dangerous. Oil and grime rise to the surface, creating a slick, slippery film on roads.
Stay back from large vehicles like trucks and buses, which kick up water spray that can block your view. If you need to pass, do so cautiously and quickly.
Check your windshield wipers—overworked or ineffective blades can drastically reduce visibility. If conditions get too severe, pull over safely, away from traffic, and wait out the worst.
If you stop by the roadside, move as far off the road as possible, preferably beyond guardrails. Keep your hazard lights on to remain visible to passing traffic.
These precautions are essential as storm systems continue to impact New York State, bringing not only lightning and hail, but also dangerous flooding and road conditions.
