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Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
807 AM EDT Thu Apr 25 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.

Tornadoes are an awesome display of nature`s power. Although they
are most common in the Midwest and Great Plains, tornadoes do occur
in New York as well. One tornado touched down last year in Lewis
County east of Lake Ontario, fortunately there were no injuries or
fatalities. On average, six tornadoes occur each year across all of
New York State.

The primary mission of the National Weather Service is to protect
lives from hazardous weather. Meteorologists closely monitor the
atmosphere for conditions which may produce tornadoes or severe
thunderstorms.

If there is a potential for storm development within the next
several hours, a Tornado Watch will be issued. While you can
continue with your routine activities when a watch is in effect, you
should pay close attention to the sky. If it becomes unusually
threatening, or if you hear thunder, it`s always best to go indoors
until the storm passes. Why take the chance? Tornadoes can form very
rapidly. Also, listen for the latest weather information on your
favorite radio or TV station, or on NOAA Weather Radio.

Doppler radar currently in use at all National Weather Service
offices has greatly aided forecasters in detecting tornadoes. In
addition, volunteer storm spotters trained by the National Weather
Service have provided valuable ground truth information on tornado
touchdowns.

If a tornado is sighted by spotters or detected on radar, the
National Weather Service will quickly issue a Tornado Warning for
communities in the storms path. If you live in or near a community
mentioned in the warning, you should take cover immediately by going
into an interior room, away from windows, on the lowest floor of a
sturdy building. A basement offers the best protection followed by
interior closets and hallways. Mobile homes, even if tied down,
offer little protection from tornadoes and should be abandoned.
Never attempt to outrun a tornado in your car. It is always better to
leave your vehicle for a sturdy shelter. If that is not possible,
lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head.
Remember, flying debris from the wind of a tornado causes most
deaths and injuries.

For more information about severe weather safety visit out website
at www.weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm

$$