Yellow Alert issued for heavy rain, flash flooding Sunday night

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — As meteorologists we know there are two key factors that can lead to flash flooding. This includes the intensity of the rainfall and its duration.

For this reason, most flash flooding is caused by slow-moving thunderstorms or thunderstorms that move repeatedly over the same area. So far rainfall rates have been light across WNY with most areas measuring just .25”, but some communities closer to the Pennsylvania border seeing amounts closer to 1”. So the concern will be for what happens later tonight.

A Yellow Alert Day continues for Rochester as the First Alert Weather Team is watching for the potential of heavy rain and flash flooding. Rain will continue into the evening with pockets of moderate rain falling across localized areas. Rain begins to turn heavier tonight with rainfall rates near 1" per hour, especially in the Finger Lakes. The greatest chance for flash flooding to occur will be along small creeks and streams, as well as low-lying areas. Rain this evening and tonight will limit visibility and cause ponding on roadways. We expect the heavy rain will transition to lighter showers by Monday morning. Expected rain totals for the area into Monday morning will be near 1" with localized areas near 2" and 2.5" possible.

The News10NBC First Alert Weather Team will keep you updated on the latest conditions for the overnight.

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