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Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Binghamton, NY
800 AM EDT Mon Apr 22 2024

...THIS WEEK IS SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK IN NEW YORK...

Severe Weather Awareness Week in New York is from April 21
through April 27. NOAA`s National Weather Service joins
in partnership with the agencies of the New York State
Disaster Preparedness Commission, local agencies, volunteer
agencies and private sector organizations in urging all
residents to learn how to protect themselves from the hazards
of flooding, tornadoes and severe thunderstorms.

What is a Severe Thunderstorm?

Severe thunderstorms are defined as thunderstorms that produce
winds greater than 58 mph or hail of one inch in diameter or
larger. A severe thunderstorm watch means atmospheric conditions
are favorable for severe thunderstorms to develop over the next
several hours. If a watch is issued a severe thunderstorm is
expected to develop typically no more than six hours after the
issuance. After a severe thunderstorm watch has been issued,
continue on with your daily routine, but be prepared to quickly
move to a secure place of safety should a severe thunderstorm
warning be issued. A severe thunderstorm warning means that severe
thunderstorms are imminent or occurring. A warning implies
a significant threat to life and property. Seek shelter
immediately when a severe thunderstorm warning is issued.

What is a Tornado?

Tornadoes are a violently rotating column of air that reaches
contact with the ground and is attached to the cloud base above.
Tornadoes can develop with all types of thunderstorms. Similar to
a severe thunderstorm watch, a tornado watch means that atmospheric
conditions are favorable for a tornado to form over the next several
hours. Tornado watches are typically issued for no more than six
hours. A tornado warning means that a tornado is imminent or
occurring. A tornado warning implies an immediate threat to life
and property. Take shelter immediately! Tornadoes can cause major
damage.

What is a flash flood?

Flash flooding is a rapid rise of water along a stream or low lying
urban area. It can happen in a flash! The most common culprit of
flash flooding is heavy downpours associated with thunderstorms.
A flash flood watch means that atmospheric conditions are favorable
for a flash flood to develop. When a flash flood watch is issued,
continue with your daily activities, but be prepared to take action
and head to higher ground if a flash flood warning is issued. A
flash flood warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring.
Flood waters can rise rapidly and are extremely powerful. Seek
higher ground immediately when a flash flood warning is issued.

A NOAA weather radio is the best way to find weather forecasts and
receive weather warnings. The NOAA all hazard weather radio plays
24 hours/7 days a week. You can use your NOAA weather radio at home,
work or when at play. NOAA weather radio provides continuous
broadcasts of weather information with immediate relay of severe
weather warnings. NOAA`s NWS recommends everyone have access to
a NOAA weather radio.

Weather topics for the remainder of the week will be as follows:

Tuesday...Severe Thunderstorms.
Wednesday...Severe Weather Preparedness and Safety.
Thursday...Tornadoes.
Friday...Flooding.
Saturday...Weather Ready Nation.

For more information on weather hazards and Severe Weather
Awareness Week, please visit:

https://www.weather.gov/bgm/swawny

$$

Mitchell Gaines
Meteorologist
National Weather Service Binghamton, NY