Syracuse, New York: Severe thunderstorms with heavy rains that led to flash floods, high wind speeds, fallen trees, and blackouts are being experienced in Central New York on Wednesday, September 2. Some of the hardest hit places are Syracuse and other parts in its vicinity, with showers and thunderstorms likely to continue early Thursday. However, the weather has gotten better than what was being experienced yesterday. While the Flood Watch for places around and to the south of Syracuse expired at 8 a.m. Thursday, September 3, the Tornado Watch expired at 11 p.m. Wednesday night. No hazardous weather conditions exist according to the latest National Weather Service data on Syracuse.
CNY Weather Update: Severe Storms Hit Central New York
The weather conditions on Wednesday were not only busy but also quite perilous in Central New York and the Finger Lakes. There were numerous showers that brought torrential rain, flash floods and high winds to the region. Tornado warnings were also in effect as storms progressed from the northern Finger Lakes region eastwards. As reported by CNY Central, the first big blow came with the torrents of rain, followed by high winds and possible tornadoes.
Syracuse Flash Flooding: 1 To 3 Inches Of Rain Fell Quickly
Flood conditions were experienced in certain localities due to heavy rains that led to flash flooding in the Syracuse region and Onondaga County. According to CNY Central, about 1 to 3 inches of rain had fallen within a short while in Onondaga County, most of which had occurred within two hours. The heavy rains caused flash flooding in and around the area of Syracuse.
Great New York State Fair Flooding Forces Temporary Closure
The severe weather also disrupted the Great New York State Fair in Geddes. Heavy rain caused significant flooding across portions of the fairgrounds Wednesday morning. Water reportedly reached ankle depth or higher in some areas before gradually receding.
The flooding temporarily forced the fairgrounds to close, with visitors and vendors dealing with rapidly rising water around parts of the property. The grounds later reopened after conditions improved. Fair officials also planned an early closure Wednesday evening because another round of potentially severe storms was approaching. Officials urged visitors to monitor the fair’s text-alert system for weather and safety information.
Central New York Flood Warning: Which Areas Were Affected By The CNY Storms?
The storm system affected a broad section of Central New York and the Finger Lakes. Reported impacts included:
- Syracuse and Onondaga County
- Solvay
- Geddes
- Seneca Falls
- Waterloo
- Parts of the Finger Lakes
- Areas of Tompkins, Cortland and Chenango counties
The severity varied from location to location. Some communities experienced heavy rain and localized flooding, while others reported stronger winds, fallen trees, power outages or tornado warnings.
Central New York Flood Watch: What Happened?
The National Weather Service issued a Flood Watch for areas near and south of Syracuse through 8 a.m. Thursday because additional rainfall could have produced excessive runoff and flash flooding.
The watch was particularly important because intense rainfall had already fallen across parts of the region. Repeated thunderstorms moving over the same locations could have increased the risk of rapid flooding. The Flood Watch has now expired. It should therefore not be described as an active Syracuse-area Flood Watch later on Thursday.
Syracuse Tornado Watch And Severe Thunderstorm Threat
A Tornado Watch was put in place by the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center for portions of Upstate New York through 11 p.m. on Wednesday night. During the evening, there were a number of tornado warnings issued due to severe storms that moved through parts of the Finger Lakes region and Central New York. CNY Central cited three different tornado warnings during the period from about 8:15 p.m. to 9:45 p.m., noting that there was damage to trees and power lines in some areas due to winds.
Is Syracuse Still Under A Flood Warning Today?
In accordance with the most recent data checked on September 3, the Flood Watch for Syracuse area expired at 8 a.m. Thursday. According to the Syracuse forecast by the National Weather Service, there were expected to be showers and possibly a thunderstorm in the morning with gradual improvement.
According to the NWS forecast, there were expected to be showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 10 a.m. but only a slight chance of showers thereafter. This means that the current situation needs to be separated from yesterday’s severe weather event. A Flood Watch implies that flooding is possible, whereas a Flood Warning implies that flooding is in progress or will take place very soon in the warned area.
More Storms Possible In Central New York
Although the major Wednesday severe-weather alerts have expired, unsettled conditions can still produce additional showers or thunderstorms. The National Weather Service forecast for Syracuse called for morning showers and a possible thunderstorm Thursday, followed by gradual clearing and a high near 81°F. Therefore, residents should continue monitoring local forecasts, particularly if another round of thunderstorms develops.
Central New York Flood Warning: Road Conditions And Travel Advisory
Heavy rain can quickly make roads dangerous, especially in low-lying areas and locations with poor drainage. Motorists in Central New York should:
- Avoid flooded roads and underpasses.
- Never drive through water of unknown depth.
- Turn around if a roadway is covered by floodwater.
- Slow down during heavy rain because visibility can drop quickly.
- Watch for fallen trees and power lines.
- Check local transportation updates before travelling.
Even after rainfall stops, standing water and debris can continue to create hazards.
Central New York Flood Warning: What Should Syracuse Residents Do?
Citizens should be aware of the most recent updates regarding National Weather Service alerts and emergency alerts from their locality. In case a Flash Flood Warning is issued, individuals should seek shelter at an elevated place and keep away from flooded streets. If there is a Severe Thunderstorm Warning or Tornado Warning, citizens should move to their houses and not near any window.
Central New York Weather Latest Update
The most significant severe weather effects were experienced on Wednesday, September 2, with thunderstorms bringing heavy rains, flash floods, high winds, and tornado warnings in some parts of Central New York. On Friday, September 3, the Syracuse Flood Watch has expired, and based on the latest information from the National Weather Service, no hazardous weather is occurring in Syracuse. Showers in the morning and potential thunderstorms were part of the forecast before gradually improving weather was expected. Citizens should keep checking for updates since weather alerts and warnings may be subject to change very quickly.
Disclaimer: Weather conditions and alerts may change at any time. For safety purposes, citizens should follow the latest warnings by the National Weather Service.
