On Friday at 1:28 p.m., the National Weather Service issued a tornado watch effective until 10 p.m. for the counties of Albany, Columbia, Dutchess, Fulton, Greene, Hamilton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Ulster, Warren, and Washington.
On Friday afternoon, tropical storm Debby was already causing problems in the region, with over 5,849 Central Hudson customers out of power.
The tornado watch extends to parts of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Vermont.
During a tornado watch, stay informed by monitoring weather updates via TV, radio, or apps. Identify a safe place in your home, such as a basement or interior room without windows, and prepare it with emergency supplies like water, food, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. Ensure all family members know the safety plan and have a way to communicate. Stay indoors and be ready to move to your safe place immediately if the watch escalates to a warning.