Severe thunderstorms with damaging wind gusts are impacting parts of Herkimer and Montgomery counties early this Sunday morning, bringing intense rain and a serious risk of property damage.
At 4:11 a.m. local time, the National Weather Service updated its severe thunderstorm warning, keeping it in effect until 4:30 a.m. for the affected counties in central New York State.
According to meteorologists, thunderstorms were observed at 4:10 a.m. forming a line of severe activity stretching from near St. Johnsville to near Clayville, pushing south at about 35 mph. The storms are producing wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph (97 km/h), which are strong enough to damage roofs, rip off siding, and snap trees.
Areas at risk include the communities of Ilion, Herkimer, Little Falls, Mohawk, Frankfort, West Winfield, Jordanville, Cedarville, Elizabethtown, Warren, Ingham Mills, Jerusalem Hill, Spinnerville, Corrado Corners, Cedar Lake, North Ilion, Gulph, South Columbia, South Ilion, and Davys Corners.
Heavy downpours are accompanying these storms, significantly increasing the threat of flash flooding, particularly in low-lying areas and regions with poor drainage.
Meteorologists strongly urge residents to shelter indoors in a secure interior room on the lowest level of their home or building. Driving conditions are hazardous, and all travel through flooded streets or roads should be strictly avoided.
