ALBANY, NY – The City of Albany is urging residents and businesses to prepare for continuing high temperatures, heat advisories, severe thunderstorms, high winds, the potential of flash flooding in low-lying areas, and the "low probability" of tornadoes through this evening.
The National Weather Service has issued the following alerts:
- Severe Thunderstorm Warning in effect through 6:00 PM
- Severe Thunderstorm Watch in effect through 9:00 PM
- Heat Advisory in effect through 8:00 PM
- 90-degree and higher temperatures
- Heat index values as high as 100 degrees
- Scattered severe thunderstorms
- Potential for flash flooding in low-lying areas
- Damaging wind gusts
- "Low probability" of tornadoes
According to the National Weather Service, multiple counties in the Capital Region are forecasted to experience extreme weather, indicating the potential for strong wind gusts, the "low probability" of tornadoes, as well as the potential for downed trees and power outages due to damaging wind gusts. The main window of this storm is expected this afternoon through late evening.
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said, "I am urging residents to prepare for and be aware of the potential for significant storms through this evening. Our emergency response team comprised of Albany's Fire, Police, General Services, Buildings and Regulatory Compliance, and Water Departments are actively planning in anticipation for the storm and will be working together to ensure any post-storm damage is handled quickly and appropriately. Please take any necessary steps to ensure your safety during this time."
As high temperatures continue, Albany's splash pads will continue to be operational. The City and the Department of Recreation urge residents to be cautious and in the event of thunder and lightening seek shelter. It is not safe to stand under a tree during a thunder and lightening storm.
Important Contacts During Severe Weather:
- In an emergency, call 911.
- To report power outages and downed power lines, and determine area repair schedules, call National Grid at 800-642-4272.
- To report downed trees, call the City of Albany Department of General Services at 518-427-7480.
- To receive text and/or email alerts from the City of Albany, please sign up for Nixle alerts at: http://www.albanyny.org/Government/Departments/PoliceDepartment/Nixle.aspx
- For real-time weather information, visit the National Weather Service at https://www.weather.gov/aly/
- To report flooding or sewer backups, call the Albany Water Department Dispatch at 518-434-5322.
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