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Public Information Statement 
National Weather Service Binghamton, NY 
800 AM EDT Tue Apr 23 2024

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

Today we will discuss what classifies a thunderstorm as 
severe, and the difference between a severe thunderstorm watch 
and a warning. We will also give you information on what 
to do when a watch or warning is issued.

What is a severe thunderstorm?

A severe thunderstorm is a thunderstorm that produces 
sustained wind or wind gusts of 58 miles an hour or greater, 
and/or hail of one inch in diameter or larger. Hailstones at the 
size of one inch in diameter, are the size of a quarter. Severe 
thunderstorms are often accompanied by torrential downpours and 
frequent cloud-to-ground lightning. Some severe storms can produce 
tornadoes with little or no advance warning. Severe thunderstorms 
can produce the same amount of damage as a weak tornado and are 
often mistaken for one.

What is a severe thunderstorm watch?

A severe thunderstorm watch means that atmospheric conditions 
are favorable for severe thunderstorms to develop and are expected 
within the next six hours. A watch is issued to alert you and your 
family that damaging winds, large hail and even an isolated tornado 
are possible. A watch does not mean severe weather is occurring. 
Severe thunderstorms watches can cover one or more states and can 
last for several hours at a time. 

What should you do when a severe thunderstorm watch is issued?

Go about your normal activities, but watch the sky around you
for developing storms. Periodically check your NOAA weather radio, 
cell phone for radar updates, TV, radio, or cell phone apps for 
updates to keep you weather aware. Always know which county you 
live in, and which ones borders your community. If you are on 
vacation, or driving through an unfamiliar area, keep a map on 
hand and know your location at all times in case danger arises. 
Newer cell phones are equipped with Wireless Emergency Alerts 
(WEA). WEA are emergency messages sent by authorized government 
alerting authorities through your mobile carrier. Government 
partners include: FEMA, FCC, Department of Homeland Security and 
the NWS. WEA will allow you to receive extreme weather warnings, 
local evacuations, AMBER alerts and Presidential alerts during a 
national emergency. Always have a plan on how to get to a safe 
place quickly if a warning is issued for your area.

What is a severe thunderstorm warning?

A severe thunderstorm warning means a severe thunderstorm is going 
to move through your location soon. You need to take quick action 
to protect yourself, your family and your property. severe 
thunderstorm warnings are issued by the NWS when Doppler Radar
weather radar has detected a severe thunderstorm, or when one has 
been reported by a trained weather spotter, a county emergency 
official, a law official, or a trusted report from the public. 
A warning is issued on average for 30 to 60 minutes. 

What do you do when a severe thunderstorm warning is issued?

If caught outdoors, get inside a strong structure that has
plumbing or electricity, or a car. If there is no building nearby, 
your best protection is in a ditch. Boaters should head to 
shore immediately. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors! When 
you get inside a sturdy building, go into an interior room on the 
lowest level. Stay away from windows and doors. Do not use any 
electrical appliances. 

If you happen to be driving and you become caught in a severe
thunderstorm, immediately pull over to the side of the road 
until the storm passes. Heavy rain with any thunderstorm can 
flood roads quickly. Never try to drive through an area where 
water covers the road, even if you think the water is shallow.  
The water may sweep your vehicle away. Turn around don't drown! 

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

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