Damaging Winds: Hazardous Outlooks Issued For Hudson Valley

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — High, gusty winds will threaten newly leafy trees — and power lines — across the Hudson Valley Thursday afternoon through Friday night, according to the National Weather Service.

"With full foliage away from the immediate coast, these winds will likely be more impactful in terms of tree damage and possible power outages than similar wind events we have experienced this Winter and early Spring," NWS forecasters warned.

For Orange, Putnam, Rockland and northern Westchester counties, an isolated strong to severe thunderstorm, bringing high winds, is possible late Thursday afternoon into this evening. Then westerly wind gusts of 45 to 55 mph are likely Friday afternoon into Friday night.

The same is true for southern Westchester, with the added threat of coastal flooding.

"Expect around 1 foot of inundation above ground level in low lying, vulnerable areas. Some roads and low-lying property including parking lots, parks, lawns and homes/businesses with basements near the waterfront will experience shallow flooding," the NWS said.

Dutchess and Ulster will be affected too. While there is just a "marginal risk" for severe thunderstorms Thursday afternoon and evening, storms could produce damaging winds. Plus, strong westerly wind gusts in excess of 45 mph are likely at times Friday into Friday night.

The Hudson Valley is getting the northeast end of a weather pattern that has flooded the soutth-central United States.

"Drenching severe thunderstorms roved the Plains Tuesday and Wednesday, dropping up to 8 inches across parts of Colorado and almost 7 inches in Oklahoma," said Jessica Storm, AccuWeather Meteorologist.