Weather Alert Red: Tornado warning in progress; tracking severe storms

UPDATE: A tornado warning is in effect for Erie, Genesee, Wyoming and Livingston counties until 1:45 p.m. Wednesday. News10NBC has issued a red alert due to the tornado warning and severe storms that could bring flooding, damaging winds, downpours and lightning.

ROCHESTER, NY — A tornado warning is currently in effect for all of Western New York until 9 p.m. Wednesday. A warning means there is the potential for severe storms or an isolated tornado, or conditions are met. A warning means a tornado is in progress or imminent in a specific area and for a specific period of time.

Any storms on Wednesday could bring heavy rain, damaging straight-line winds, lightning, and even an isolated tornado. Severe weather could develop Wednesday afternoon and possibly into Wednesday evening. For more information on tornadoes in Western New York State, click here. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind over the next few hours.

Before the storm:

• Charge your mobile phone
• Safe garden furniture
• Never touch fallen cables
• Do not drive on flooded roads

When thunderstorms are near:

• Find a stable shelter as soon as possible
• Stay away from windows
• Go to the interior/basement
• Have someone cover you if necessary (mattress etc.)

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for our area, beginning at noon and lasting until 9 p.m. for Western New York and the Finger Lakes region. The last time a tornado was recorded in our area was two years ago. For more information on tornadoes in Western New York, click here.

Stay tuned to News 10NBC First Alert Weather for up-to-date forecast information.