Tornado Watch Issued For Dutchess, Ulster Counties

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for Dutchess and Ulster counties until 7 p.m. Thursday as numerous, severe, widespread thunderstorms are expected across the Hudson Valley.

The Storm Prediction Center puts the Hudson Valley and southern and central Taconics at an enhanced risk for strong thunderstorms this afternoon into early this evening.

The greatest risk for severe weather will be along and south of the Interstate 90 corridor into the mid Hudson Valley and northwest Connecticut with large hail, damaging winds and isolated tornadoes possible.

The greatest threat for severe weather in the mid-Hudson looks to be 1 - 8 p.m., the NWS said.

Across Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester counties, the hazardous outlook has been updated. There, the NWS warns of the possibility of:

• Wind damage: Potential destructive wind gusts of 75+ mph. This could cause areas of widespread tree and power line damage and resultant power outages. Some structural damage is also possible.
• Large hail: Potential golf ball size hail or greater. This could result in damage to motor vehicles and other property.
• Tornadoes: Isolated tornadoes possible.
• Flash flooding: Localized urban and poor drainage threat.