Too much, too fast
The Finger Lakes is in need of soaking rainfalls, but today will hold the potential for seeing too much rain too fast, possibly resulting in some areas of flash flooding.
In the wake of Tropical Storm Fay last night, a disturbance will slowly spin its way across our region today. This feature shows up strikingly on radar this morning over Lake Erie. Heavy rain and flooding have been associated with this system since yesterday.
Some breaks of sun this morning will help heat temperatures into the 80s. Humid air is also in place, with dewpoints ranging from the mid 60s to low 70s.
Thunderstorms will fire this afternoon, first along the I-90 Corridor west of Geneva. Additional storms will then develop east of Seneca Lake while more widespread rain and downpours move into the western Finger Lakes.
This widespread rain will push through the rest of the region during the late afternoon and evening.
There is potential for slow-moving, persistent downpours with the thunderstorms and the widespread rain. Localized areas could see an inch or two of rain quickly, producing flooding. There is potential for a few places to see as much as 3-5 inches of rain today.
In addition to the flooding potential, one or two storms could turn severe with damaging winds. Widespread severe weather is not expected though, and flooding is of greater concern today.
The rain will exit the region tonight, but areas of dense fog will be possible in its wake. Only a few scattered showers are expected on Sunday. These will not be enough to produce any additional flooding, but nor will they be overly beneficial in terms of our rainfall deficits.
» Interactive Finger Lakes weather radar
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Jim
Your forecasts such as last night’s continue to inform and help us with our summer planning, not that there is much planning this summer owing to virus, etc. Thank you for your enduring efforts and success in keep us in the region informed, so much better than the Cornell graduate (as he always reminds his radio listeners) meteorologist and climate-change denier Kevin Williams.
Meteorologist Drew Montreuil
Thank you for your note, Jim! I am so glad to be of service and appreciate your kind words!
Art Rothfuss
It would help a lot if you could give us an idea where you consider northern, southern, eastern, and western fingerlakes.
We live about seven miles south, and a little east of Honeoye, and I’ve never figured out what region we’re considered in.
Thank you,
Art
Meteorologist Drew Montreuil
Hi Art. I try to use specifics when possible…in this case, I referenced the I-90 corridor, and areas east of Seneca Lake. When I speak in less specific terms, it is because the weather is also less specific. For west/north/east/south…cut the region in half appropriately, and that is generally what I mean. So, you are definitely western and a little northern.
John Gregoire
Last night’s gave us 0.40. Now multiply X10 for our monthly avg. Not much help so far but it was a slow rain.