Heat, Thunderstorms, Coastal Flooding: Hudson Valley Forecast

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Wasn't there just a freeze warning? The rollercoaster continues as high temperatures on Wednesday could hit 85 degrees Fahrenheit, while the National Weather Service warns of hazardous weather, and then temps could drop into the low 40s Friday night.

"The average high for the date is in the mid 60s … making Wednesday potentially 15 to 20 degrees above average in some places," said Alex Marra and Bill Potter of Hudson Valley Weather in what they dubbed a "summer preview."

For Wednesday afternoon and evening, the NWS has issued notices:

• For Orange, Putnam, Rockland and northern Westchester: Hazardous outlook. An isolated strong to severe thunderstorm, with wind and hail threat, is possible late this afternoon into evening.
• For Dutchess and Ulster: Hazardous outlook. There is a chance of thunderstorms late in the afternoon into tonight. Locally heavy downpours and gusty winds will be possible.
• For southern Westchester: Coastal flood statement. Late Wednesday night, less than a foot of inundation above ground level expected in vulnerable areas near the waterfront and shoreline in southern Westchester County as well as southern Fairfield in Connecticut.

Possible thunderstorms are also in the forecast for Thursday and Friday, said Alex Sosnowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist.

After that, beware of temperatures dropping into the low 40s overnight.

It's only been a week since severe thunderstorms brought a tornado with 100 mph winds into the Hudson Valley. Victoria Perotti, the Amenia town supervisor, told Patch they were fortunate no one was hurt.

The National Weather Service summarized it: "A tornado briefly touched down just south of Amenia, New York and moved north-northeast into the village. The tornado started near the intersection of Powder House Road and Ohandley Drive and caused sporadic damage along its path length. One house along Ohandley drive had partial roof damage and a two by four and a small branch driven into the side of the home. Nine out of ten homes on Ohandley Drive sustained damage. The tornado ended near the intersection of Mechanic Street and East MainStreet where it ripped the roof off a restaurant."