ITHACA, N.Y. — The National Weather Service is predicting severe weather for Ithaca and the region Monday. A tornado watch has been issued until 10 p.m.
Tompkins County is one of 29 counties under a tornado watch in New York. There is also a hazardous weather outlook for much of Central New York and parts of Pennsylvania, including Ithaca.
According to the NWS, thunderstorms are expected to develop ahead of an approaching cold front Monday afternoon and evening. The storms could bring heavy rain, and even hail at times.
Damaging winds will be the main threat, the NWS says, and isolated tornadoes are also possible. Some storms may bring heavy rainfall leading to potential localized urban and small stream flooding.
A tornado watch, which is in effect Monday, is issued when severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible but does not mean they will occur, according to the National Weather Service. A severe thunderstorm is defined as having winds of 58 miles per hour or higher and/or hail one inch in diameter or larger.
Alternatively, a tornado warning is issued when a tornado is imminent. When a tornado warning is issued, residents in the area are advised to take shelter immediately.
Local residents are advised to stay tuned to local media and the National Weather Service for updates.
Featured image by James Burke/Flickr.