From the National Weather Service:

Today, July 18, there's an Air Quality Alert for portions of Western New York, including Genesee County, in effect until 11 p.m.

This alert is issued when air quality levels in outdoor air are predicted to be greater than an air quality index value of 100 for ozone.

The air quality index -- or AQI -- was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale. The higher the AQI value, the greater the health concern.

When pollution levels are elevated, the New York State Department of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects.

People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young and those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease. Those with symptoms should consider consulting their personal physician.

FOR SUNDAY JULY 19 -- A HEAT ADVISORY

A Heat Advisory is in effect tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The temperature could reach in the upper 90s, including in Genesee County.

Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS:

• Drink plenty of fluids;
• Stay in an air-conditioned room;
• Stay out of the sun;
• Check up on relatives and neighbors;
• Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances;
• Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside;
• When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening;
• Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke;
• Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible;
• To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments;
• Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9-1-1.

ALSO SUNDAY -- HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK 

Thunderstorms producing gusty winds and heavy rain are possible late Sunday afternoon through midnight. There is a slight risk that some storms will become severe with damaging winds the main hazard.

Beating the heat at the Austin Park Spray Park.

The National Weather Service reports a strong thunderstorm is moving through Genesee County at 35 mph.

Winds from the storm could exceed 40 mph.

Torrential rainfall is possible and may cause localized flooding.

The railroad underpasses on Ellicott Street and on Cedar Street in the City of Batavia is impassable due to flooding from heavy rain. The county is under a Flood Warning until 5:45 p.m. the National Weather Service has Buffalo announced.

City police are on scene at both places.

From the National Weather Service:

At 1:49 p.m., Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Up to one inch of rain has already fallen. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other drainage and low lying areas.

Some locations that will experience flooding include -- Batavia, Stafford and East Bethany. 

Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in the warned area as additional thunderstorms move across the area. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. 

Please report flooding to your local law enforcement agency when you can do so safely.

UPDATE 2:15 p.m.: "Ellicott Street has already started to drain so I don't think (the road closure) it will be too long," says an officer on scene.

The National Weather Service is warning residents to expect a hot and humid day today with high temperatures reaching the upper 80s to low 90s.

The heat index could top out at 95 degrees.

"Take precautions if you need to be out in the heat today by taking frequent breaks inside and drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated," the weather service advises.
 

It snowed in Genesee County today, so of course, Santa paid us a visit.

Photo submitted by Jean Grinnell.

A high wind warning is in effect starting at 10 a.m. and lasting until 2 a.m., Tuesday.

The National Weather Service predicts southwest winds of 40 to 50 mph with gusts up to 70 mph.

"This will be a dangerous situation," the NWS states. "Very strong winds will result in numerous downed trees and power lines. Extensive power outages and property damage are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.

"People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive."

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 6 p.m.

A wind advisory is in effect from 2 until 11 p.m.

Winds of 20 to 30 mph expected with gusts of 50 mph.

UPDATE 2:40 p.m.: Tristine Vanice submitted the photo above taken from her backyard off Lewiston Road, Oakfield, of the storm rolling in. Thunder and rain started in Batavia few minutes ago.

Press release:

National Grid is increasing staffing and closely monitoring Friday’s weather forecast (March 20), which calls for high winds, with gusts of up to 60 mph, across portions of Upstate New York. The company’s field force is at normal staffing levels and remains at the ready if the storm impacts service. Customers are encouraged to keep safety a priority with the following reminders:

           Electricity & Generator Safety

• If a power outage occurs, customers can notify National Grid online to expedite restoration.

• Never touch downed power lines; always assume they are carrying live electricity. Downed power lines should immediately be reported to National Grid at 1-800-867-5222 or by calling 9-1-1.

• Generators used to supply power during an outage must be operated outdoors to prevent the buildup of deadly carbon monoxide. Before operating a generator, be sure todisconnect from National Grid’s system by shutting off the main breaker, located in theelectric service panel. Failure to do this could endanger our crews and your neighbors.

• Customers who depend on electrically powered life support equipment, such as a respirator, should register as a life support customer by calling National Grid at 1-800-642-4272. In a medical emergency, always dial 9-1-1.

• Keep working flashlights and an extra supply of batteries in your home and be sure to charge all electronic devices before the storm.

• Please use caution when driving near emergency responders and crews restoring power.

• Be sure to check on elderly family members, neighbors and others who may need assistance during an outage.

  Stay informed and connected

  Information on National Grid’s pandemic preparedness and a customer Q&A can be found here.

• Customers with active electricity accounts who text "REG" to 64743 can have personalized alerts sent to them via text, email or phone call when we detect an outage on their properties.

• Customers also can text "OUT" to 64743 to report an outage.

• For real-time power outage information, online outage reporting, and in-depth storm safety information, visit National Grid’s Outage Central website. Customers who create an online profile also can sign up for email alerts.

• Visit our website.