Severe thunderstorm moves in, warning issued for Monroe County, Wayne, Livingston, more

A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for parts of western New York including the Rochester area.

The National Weather Service in Buffalo issued a bulletin for: Monroe County, Northwestern Wayne County, Northeastern Livingston County, East central Genesee County and Northwestern Ontario County.

At 1:26 p.m., "a severe thunderstorm was located near Avon, or 10 miles south of Chili, moving northeast at 45 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees. Locations impacted include... Rochester, Greece, Irondequoit, Chili, East Rochester, Webster, Fairport, Brighton, Gates-North Gates, and Ontario."

The bulletin included Interstate 390 between exits 8 and 12 and Interstate 90 between exits 46 and 47.

The severe thunderstorm warning is in effect until 2:30PM.

A tornado watch remains in effect until 9PM for western New York.

What are the weather "watches" about?

The National Weather Service issues a tornado watch when a tornado and severe thunderstorms are possible due to weather conditions. You should prepare by acting quickly if a warning is issued or suspect a tornado is approaching. Watches are issued by NOAA's Storm Prediction Center and typically cover a large area, cover multiple counties or even states.

Tornado watches vs. warnings

A tornado watch is an alert issued by the National Weather Service , meaning tornadoes are possible in and near the "watch" area.

If a tornado watch is issued in your area, the weather service says to be prepared and be ready to act quickly if the next level, a warning, is issued or if you suspect a tornado is approaching.

More: See our NY Tornado Archive

When you become aware of a tornado warning, you should move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and avoid windows. If you're in a mobile home or vehicle, find sturdy shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.

Western New York weather outlook

Severe weather will remain fairly widespread through the early evening in western and north central New York, according to the Weather Service. With the Beryl remnants in the area, conditions remain to generate rotating thunderstorms and drenching rains.

Scattered showers are expected to continue tonight after the remains of the tropical system depart the area.

— USA TODAY contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Severe thunderstorm moves in, warning issued for Monroe County, Wayne, Livingston, more