Possible severe thunderstorms predicted for WNY starting at 2 a.m.

Statement from the National Weather Service:

... STRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS EXPECTED OVERNIGHT...

A COMPLEX OF THUNDERSTORMS DEVELOPING OVER THE UPPER GREAT LAKES THIS EVENING WILL MOVE SOUTHEAST OVERNIGHT AND PUSH ACROSS THE WESTERN COUNTIES OF NEW YORK AFTER 2 AM. THE THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE PART OF AN INCREASINGLY UNSTABLE... MOISTURE RICH AIRMASS THAT WILL SUPPORT VIGOROUS UPDRAFTS... LEADING TO A HEIGHTENED THREAT FOR SEVERE WEATHER.

THE GREATEST THREAT WILL BE IN THE FORM OF DAMAGING THUNDERSTORM WINDS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH... ALONG WITH VERY FREQUENT CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING. THERE IS EVEN THE RISK OF AN ACTUAL DERECHO MOVING THROUGH THE REGION... WHICH COULD EASILY PRODUCE WINDS IN EXCESS OF 70 MPH.

THE STRONGER STORMS WILL LIKELY PRODUCE TORRENTIAL DOWNPOURS... WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY LEAD TO LOCALIZED FLOODING IN POOR DRAINAGE AREAS... PARTICULARLY IN URBAN AREAS.

THE HIGHEST CHANCE FOR THE STRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE OVER THE FAR WESTERN COUNTIES BETWEEN 2 AM AND 5 AM EDT.

STAY TUNED FOR UPDATED FORECASTS AND POSSIBLE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCHES AND WARNINGS THROUGH THE OVERNIGHT HOURS.

Portion of statement from Gov. Andrew Cuomo:

Governor Andrew Cuomo today urged New Yorkers to be prepared as severe thunderstorms storms pass through the state tomorrow. The storms are forecasted to bring heavy rain, high winds, and possible tornadoes, and may cause widespread power outages.

The National Weather Service today briefed state officials on the approaching storms and declared a Moderate Risk of Severe Weather for New York State. The prediction includes the possibility of high winds and possible tornadoes. At the Governor's direction, the State Emergency Operations Center will be activated tomorrow at 1:00 PM. As weather conditions can change rapidly, the Governor today urged New Yorkers to pay close attention to local radio and television reports to stay up to date with the storms' progress.

“I urge all New Yorkers to take caution and pay attention to local radio and television reports for the latest information on the progress of these summer storms," Governor Cuomo said. "Proper precautions undertaken now can help ensure that the strong winds and heavy rain cause as little damage as possible and that families and individuals are kept safe from harm."