First Alert Weather: Yellow Alert due to gusty thunderstorms

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The First Alert Weather team has issued a Yellow Alert for Sunday due to strong winds ahead of thunderstorms moving through this afternoon. Areas north of the Thruway could see gusts up to 50 MPH, and south of the Thruway up to 55 MPH. Tree damage and isolated power outages are possible, and any loose outdoor items should be secured. Take caution if driving a tall vehicle.

Breaks in the clouds upstream of us has allowed the sun to heat the air, increasing instability which “fuels” thunderstorms. This “fuel” has increased since the last forecast, meaning thunderstorms will be slightly stronger than previously thought. There won’t be much lightning; only about one strike every five minutes. We will continue to monitor these storms in case they are likely to strengthen any more. But the lightning and rain is not the main concern; it’s the winds ahead of the storm. No hail is expected, and while there is a small chance of an isolated tornado to our southwest, it is unlikely that we will see one.

Storms will taper off from west to east later this afternoon/early this evening, and so will the winds. A cold front will then pass, causing temperatures to drop into the 50s. Overnight they’ll drop further, all the way to the low 30s, and with residual moisture in the air there are chances for wet snow flurries into tomorrow morning. Only minor accumulations are expected at worst, and the ground should stay above freezing, meaning icy roads should not be a concern.

We’ll return to mild temperatures once more Tuesday and Wednesday, before yet another dip and a chance of rain and snow on Thursday.

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