After widespread rain moved through overnight associated with a warm front, early clouds gave way to breaks of sun ahead of an approaching cold front and upper level disturbance on Saturday, August 12th. Dewpoints were in the mid to upper 60s throughout the region with strong wind shear in place aloft. The upper level disturbance and an approaching cold front served as main focus for severe weather.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch was issued shortly before 3 PM that afternoon for much of eastern New York.  Strong to severe thunderstorms developed and moved through the area during the afternoon and early evening hours. These storms results in multiple reports of trees and power lines down as well as hail.

Hail in SARATOGA, NEW YORK
From 12-AUG-17 15:43:00 to 12-AUG-17 15:43:00 (EST-5)
Location: BALLSTON SPA
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: NWS Employee

One inch hail was reported.

Hail in SCHOHARIE, NEW YORK
From 12-AUG-17 16:37:00 to 12-AUG-17 16:37:00 (EST-5)
Location: RICHMONDVILLE
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Trained Spotter

One inch hail was reported.

Hail in ALBANY, NEW YORK
From 12-AUG-17 17:30:00 to 12-AUG-17 17:31:00 (EST-5)
Location: VOORHEESVILLE
Magnitude: 0.75 
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail of 0.75 inches was reported.

Hail in ALBANY, NEW YORK
From 12-AUG-17 17:33:00 to 12-AUG-17 17:34:00 (EST-5)
Location: VOORHEESVILLE
Magnitude: 0.88 
Reported by: NWS Employee

Hail of 0.88 inches was reported by a Meteorologist.

Hail in RENSSELAER, NEW YORK
From 12-AUG-17 18:01:00 to 12-AUG-17 18:02:00 (EST-5)
Location: EAST GREENBUSH
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Public

One inch hail was reported.

Thunderstorm Wind in SCHOHARIE, NEW YORK
From 12-AUG-17 16:32:00 to 12-AUG-17 16:32:00 (EST-5)
Location: RICHMONDVILLE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A tree was downed on Mudlake Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in SCHOHARIE, NEW YORK
From 12-AUG-17 16:37:00 to 12-AUG-17 16:37:00 (EST-5)
Location: RICHMONDVILLE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Multiple trees was reported down.

Thunderstorm Wind in SCHOHARIE, NEW YORK
From 12-AUG-17 16:37:00 to 12-AUG-17 16:37:00 (EST-5)
Location: RICHMONDVILLE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A tree was down on State Route 7 blocking the road.

Thunderstorm Wind in SCHOHARIE, NEW YORK
From 12-AUG-17 15:25:00 to 12-AUG-17 15:25:00 (EST-5)
Location: SLOANSVILLE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A tree was downed on Junction Road blocking the road.

Thunderstorm Wind in SARATOGA, NEW YORK
From 12-AUG-17 15:48:00 to 12-AUG-17 15:48:00 (EST-5)
Location: MALTA RIDGE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: 911 Call Center

A tree was downed.

Thunderstorm Wind in SARATOGA, NEW YORK
From 12-AUG-17 15:49:00 to 12-AUG-17 15:49:00 (EST-5)
Location: MALTA RIDGE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: NWS Employee

Two trees were downed at the intersection of Route 50 and Hutchins Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in SCHOHARIE, NEW YORK
From 12-AUG-17 16:37:00 to 12-AUG-17 16:37:00 (EST-5)
Location: RICHMONDVILLE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Multiple trees and wires were downed.

Thunderstorm Wind in SCHOHARIE, NEW YORK
From 12-AUG-17 16:37:00 to 12-AUG-17 16:37:00 (EST-5)
Location: RICHMONDVILLE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A house caught fire due to downed power lines.

Thunderstorm Wind in ALBANY, NEW YORK
From 12-AUG-17 17:45:00 to 12-AUG-17 17:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: DELMAR
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: Social Media

Trees were reported down.

Thunderstorm Wind in RENSSELAER, NEW YORK
From 12-AUG-17 18:05:00 to 12-AUG-17 18:05:00 (EST-5)
Location: SAND LAKE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Three trees were downed in addition to wires.