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Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
807 AM EDT Thu Apr 25 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.

Tornadoes are an awesome display of nature's power. Although they 
are most common in the Midwest and Great Plains, tornadoes do occur 
in New York as well. One tornado touched down last year in Lewis 
County east of Lake Ontario, fortunately there were no injuries or 
fatalities. On average, six tornadoes occur each year across all of 
New York State.

The primary mission of the National Weather Service is to protect 
lives from hazardous weather. Meteorologists closely monitor the 
atmosphere for conditions which may produce tornadoes or severe 
thunderstorms.

If there is a potential for storm development within the next 
several hours, a Tornado Watch will be issued. While you can 
continue with your routine activities when a watch is in effect, you 
should pay close attention to the sky. If it becomes unusually 
threatening, or if you hear thunder, it's always best to go indoors 
until the storm passes. Why take the chance? Tornadoes can form very 
rapidly. Also, listen for the latest weather information on your 
favorite radio or TV station, or on NOAA Weather Radio.

Doppler radar currently in use at all National Weather Service 
offices has greatly aided forecasters in detecting tornadoes. In 
addition, volunteer storm spotters trained by the National Weather 
Service have provided valuable ground truth information on tornado 
touchdowns. 

If a tornado is sighted by spotters or detected on radar, the 
National Weather Service will quickly issue a Tornado Warning for 
communities in the storms path. If you live in or near a community 
mentioned in the warning, you should take cover immediately by going 
into an interior room, away from windows, on the lowest floor of a 
sturdy building. A basement offers the best protection followed by 
interior closets and hallways. Mobile homes, even if tied down, 
offer little protection from tornadoes and should be abandoned. 
Never attempt to outrun a tornado in your car. It is always better to 
leave your vehicle for a sturdy shelter. If that is not possible, 
lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head. 
Remember, flying debris from the wind of a tornado causes most 
deaths and injuries. 

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

$$