This post summarizes a developing severe weather event issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Albany affecting parts of New York, including Columbia and Dutchess counties.
I explain the timeline, what a severe thunderstorm watch and a tornado warning mean, and practical safety steps residents should take based on decades of storm-response experience.
Storm timeline and geographic scope
The NWS in Albany issued a severe thunderstorm watch for portions of New York state on Saturday, with the watch covering areas including Columbia County and remaining in effect until 8 p.m. that evening.
Watches indicate conditions are favorable for severe storms and residents should be prepared to act.
Shortly after the watch was posted, a tornado warning was briefly issued for northern Dutchess County and southwestern Columbia County.
That warning was first transmitted by the NWS at 1:23 p.m. and was active while forecasters tracked a potent cell.
At 1:42 p.m., radar indicated a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado near Ancram, roughly 13 miles east of Saugerties, moving northeast at about 30 miles per hour.
How the warnings evolved
By about 2 p.m., the tornado warning was canceled for New York counties.
A warning for neighboring counties across state lines remained active until approximately 2:30 p.m.
Safety recommendations and best practices
When the NWS issues a tornado warning or a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado, immediate protective actions are critical.
Based on 30 years of field experience and emergency management practice, the following steps significantly reduce risk:
Preparedness before storms arrive
Preparation matters before watches are issued.
Keep an emergency kit, know the safest part of your home, and practice a family emergency plan.
If you live in mobile homes, identify nearby sturdy shelters in advance—mobile homes are especially vulnerable to tornadoes and should be evacuated when a warning is issued.
Communication and official updates
The NWS and local officials described the situation as developing. They promised further updates as more information became available.
In fast-changing severe-weather episodes, official channels—NWS alerts, local emergency management, and verified media—are the most reliable sources.
Here is the source article for this story: Tornado warning issued for parts of Columbia, Dutchess counties