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NWS: April 20 to April 26 is Severe Weather Awareness
Week
Published: April 22, 2025 at
10:00 a.m.
By: Provided by the National Weather Service
The National
Weather Service and the New York State Office of Emergency Management have
proclaimed April 20 to April 26 Severe Weather Awareness Week in New York
State. The National Weather Service will be working in partnership with
several agencies of the New York State Disaster Preparedness Commission and
the New York State Broadcasters Association to inform residents of the
potential dangers associated with flash
flooding, tornadoes, and severe thunderstorms.
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 occurring. 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
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