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Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
803 AM EDT Mon Apr 22 2024

...SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK CONTINUES...

The National Weather Service and the New York State Office of
Emergency Management have proclaimed April 21 to April 27 Severe
Weather Awareness Week in New York State.

To reduce your chances of being killed or injured by severe weather,
it is important to understand the meaning of severe weather watches
and warnings.

Severe thunderstorms are defined as those thunderstorms that produce
winds of 58 mph or greater, hail of one inch in diameter or larger,
or a tornado.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means that severe thunderstorms are
possible over the next several hours.

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning means that severe thunderstorms are
imminent or occuring. You should seek shelter immediately when a
severe thunderstorm warning is issued.

Even if a thunderstorm is not considered severe, it is always a good
idea to go indoors since lightning is a potential threat. By
definition, all thunderstorms contain lightning, and all lightning
is dangerous.

A Tornado Warning means that a tornado is imminent or occurring.
Take shelter immediately on the lowest floor of a sturdy building
away from windows which can shatter.

A flash flood warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring.
Flood waters can rise rapidly. Move to higher ground immediately
when a flash flood warning is issued.

NOAA Weather Radio offers the best way to stay in touch with extreme
weather conditions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your National
Weather Service highly recommends everyone have access to a NOAA
Weather Radio.

For more information about severe weather safety visit the following
website: www.weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm

$$