The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a tornado warning for portions of Monroe, Livingston, Genesee and Orleans counties until 3:15 p.m. Saturday.
A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Byron, northeast of Batavia, at 2:44 p.m. and was moving east at about 35 mph, according to the Weather Service. The storm is also capable of producing quarter-size hail.
Communities in the warning area include Rochester, Chili, Le Roy, Byron, Caledonia, Scottsville, Churchville, Riga, Bergen and Elba, according to the National Weather Service. The warning also includes a stretch of the New York State Thruway near Exit 47.
The Weather Service said flying debris could be dangerous to people caught outdoors and warned of possible damage to mobile homes, roofs, windows, vehicles and trees.
Residents in the warning area are urged to take shelter immediately in a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and stay away from windows. Those in vehicles or mobile homes should move to a substantial shelter if possible.
The warning remains in effect until 3:15 p.m. Saturday.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Tornado warning issued for Rochester and nearby areas
