Public Information Statement
Issued by NWS Upton, NY

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379 NOUS41 KOKX 271750 PNSOKX PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW YORK NY 600 AM EDT SAT APRIL 27 2024 ...This Is Severe Weather Awareness Week... Today marks the end of Severe Weather Awareness Week. Here is a quick review of the important points made this week. On average, severe weather has killed 224 people per year across the United States. On average, the National Weather Service in Long Island New York issues 85 severe thunderstorm warnings, 6 tornado warnings and 38 flash flood warnings each year. Plan now to keep safe during severe weather. Before a storm, develop a plan for you and your family at home, school, work, and when outdoors. Identify a safe place to take shelter. Conduct drills. Know what action you will take when a warning is issued. Be familiar with surrounding areas near where you live and work. The national weather service issues warnings based on a specific storm`s movement. Know where to tune to receive the latest weather information. During severe weather, postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are imminent. Move to a sturdy building or car. Stay away from tall objects such as towers, isolated trees and telephone poles. If caught outdoors, find a low spot. Make sure your choice is not susceptible to flooding. If in the woods, take shelter under smaller trees. If you are boating or swimming, seek shelter on land immediately. If a tornado warning is issued, move to a pre-designated place of safety, preferably a basement or well constructed interior room. Stay away from windows. Get as low to the ground as possible. Cover your head from debris. Mobile homes, vehicles, and underneath highway overpasses are the worst shelter options, offering little protection from a tornado. If caught outdoors and a tornado threatens, lie flat in a ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Evacuate your mobile home and move to your designated place of safety. Flash flooding can be deadly. Never underestimate the power of water. Almost half of all flash flood related deaths occur in automobiles. Two feet of flowing water will cause most cars to float, smaller cars will float in less water. Flooding hazards are increased at night when visibility is reduced. The National Weather Service urges you to respect all barriers that warn of flooded roads. Turn around, do not drown. The National Weather Service issues severe weather watches and warnings. A watch means that severe weather - severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, or flash flooding - is possible. You should already know what to do if a warning is issued. A warning means that severe weather is imminent or occurring. When any severe weather warning is issued, take immediate action to protect your life. Taking steps now to prepare for severe weather will help keep you and your family safe should flooding threaten your neighborhood. For more information on severe weather awareness, visit our web page. Today concludes Severe Weather Awareness Week. $$