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Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
755 AM EDT Tue Apr 23 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.

With the beginning of spring in New York and the gradual return of
warmer weather comes the increasing likelihood of thunderstorms. As
is usually the case, a few of these storms can bring damaging winds,
large hail, flooding rains, and dangerous lightning.

The National Weather Service defines a severe thunderstorm as one
which produces wind gusts of at least 58 miles an hour (50 knots)
and/or hail of one inch in diameter or larger. Frequent cloud to
ground lightning and torrential rain which can often accompany them,
does not define severe thunderstorms.

When forecasters at the National Weather Service Storm Prediction
Center, in consultation with the forecasters at the National Weather
Service in Buffalo, determine that atmospheric conditions favor the
formation of severe thunderstorms within the next 6 hours, a Severe
Thunderstorm Watch is issued. A watch usually covers several
counties and means that damaging winds or large hail are possible
though not yet a certainty.

You can continue your normal activities when a Severe Thunderstorm
Watch is in effect for your county, however you should remain alert
to the possibility of severe storms and be prepared to take quick
action. Keep a close eye on the sky for threatening weather
conditions and be ready to move to safe shelter if necessary.

Boaters may wish to stay closer to shore and safe harbor.

Have a NOAA Weather Radio handy or check with your favorite radio or
TV station for the latest weather.

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings are issued when a severe storm is
either detected on weather radar or reported by storm spotters or
law enforcement to be occurring. When a warning is in effect, you
should take quick action to protect yourself. Go indoors in a sturdy
building, away from windows which can shatter, or doors which can
swing open from the wind. The best place in a building is a small
interior room or hallway on the lowest floor. Avoid using corded
telephones or other electrical appliances unless it`s an emergency.

Boaters should get to shore and safe harbor immediately or get below
deck.

If you are driving, be alert to the possibility of road flooding. Do
not drive where water is covering the road. The water may be hiding
a washout, and it only takes a few feet of rapidly flowing water to
sweep away your vehicle.

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

$$