Governor David A. Paterson has proclaimed the week of April
27 - May 3, 2008 as Weather Hazards Awareness Week in the
Empire
State.
In addition, a Hazardous Weather Communications Drill is
scheduled for 11:30 AM today. A test Severe Thunderstorm
Warning will be issued statewide at that time. This will
give all New Yorkers, from emergency responders to the
general public, the opportunity to see if they are able to
receive vital information on potential weather hazards.
The drill also gives the NOAA National Weather Service the
chance to test its ability to communicate information on
those hazards quickly. Tone Alert NOAA Weather Radio
receivers should activate. SAME Digital NOAA Weather Radio
Receivers should display the Routine Weekly Test (RWT).
With
the beginning of Spring in
New
York
and the gradual return of warmer weather comes the
increasing likelihood of thunderstorms. And 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 three quarters of an 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 Services' Storm
Prediction Center, in consultation with the forecasters at
the Buffalo Forecast Office, 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 thunderstorm winds or large hail are
possible although 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.
Have a NOAA Weather Radio handy of 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 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 the telephone or
other electrical appliances unless it's an emergency.
Boaters should get to shore 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.
www.nws.noaa.gov 
