Are Tornadoes Really Headed to New York This Week?

Severe weather including thunderstorms, hail, and even possible tornadoes could be headed to areas of upstate and central New York this week.

While spring weather has finally emerged, bringing rising temperatures and blooming flowers, an approaching cold front means that wet (and potentially hazardous) weather is in the forecast as well.

Severe Weather and Possible Tornadoes Heading to New York

"Showers and thunderstorms ahead of a cold front look to move through Tuesday afternoon and night. Damaging winds and hail are possible with the thunderstorms. A tornado or two cannot be ruled out", reported the National Weather Service. One area of the Hudson Valley could be affected as well.

Regions of New York State Affected by Severe Weather

While the majority of the severe weather is focused on an area of New York that the NWS calls "the Lower Great Lakes region" (above), the thunderstorms extend into the Hudson Valley, with the most sever weather likely to affect western Orange County.

Thunderstorms Predicted for Orange County, NY

Thunderstorms are predicted for Orange County, NY on Tuesday night, including in cities like Newburgh and Middletown. In surrounding counties like Ulster and Dutchess, only heavy rain is in the forecast.

Wet Spring Weather in New York State

The weather, when not severe, is a helpful catalyst that many residents, gardeners, and farmers rely on to jumpstart the growing season in New York. Just last week, Kelder's Farm in Kerhonkson, NY opened their doors for the season with their third-annual Tulip Festival, with more than 600,000 blooming flowers.

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Extreme weather like thunderstorms, hail, and tornadoes can not only be physically dangerous, but the utilities they might interrupt could cause problems for days or even weeks. Check out two helpful safety checklists for your household below.