New York Warned About Being Struck by Lightning as Special Alert Issued

A strong thunderstorm moved through New York on Tuesday morning, prompting National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists to issue a warning about frequent lightning strikes.

The special weather statement was the only weather alert issued for New York on Tuesday morning. It warned of "torrential rainfall" currently occurring in Albany, New York, that could cause localized flooding. Warren, Fulton, Saratoga and Montgomery counties were expected to be hit the hardest by the storm. The message also warned of frequent lightning strikes and urged residents to seek shelter inside a building if they were outside.

NWS meteorologist Brett Rathbun told Newsweek that the storm developed across south central New York on Tuesday morning and was expected to move across eastern New York into northern New England as the morning progressed.

"Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle," the NWS warning said. Interstate 87 between exits 14 and 16 was included in the storm area. Meteorologists warned people not to drive a vehicle through flooded roadways.

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"This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service," the warning said. The thunderstorm was moving east at 30 miles per hour and was producing penny-sized hail that has potential to damage vegetation.

NWS Albany said that more thunderstorms could occur later in the day on Tuesday.

"An isolated shower or thunderstorm this morning. More widespread showers and storms this afternoon and evening," the office posted on X, formerly Twitter. "Mostly cloudy through the day. Highs in 60s, near 70 mid Hudson Valley and northwest Connecticut. Storms may contain gusty winds, hail and locally heavy rain."

It has been an active week for thunderstorms in the U.S. already. Following a weekend that brought multiple devastating tornadoes to the Plains states, a storm producing torrential rainfall moved through Texas, Missouri and Louisiana on Monday. The storm produced life-threatening flash flooding in Louisiana, where up to 9 inches of rain fell in the Lake Charles region. Dangerous flash floods also occurred near Galveston, Texas, where up to 4 inches of rain had fallen.

The severe storms had moved out of the nation as of Tuesday morning, leaving behind dense fog and some remaining floods.

Elsewhere in the U.S. on Tuesday morning, California was battling strong winds; Colorado, Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma were under fire-weather watch; and a freeze warning was issued for California, Oregon and Idaho.