A severe thunderstorm watch is now active across all of New York City.
Storms can hit hard and without much warning. Stay out of heavy rains, strong winds, and thunder and lightning. If you must travel, exercise extreme caution.
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Thunderstorm watches are currently active for New York City. A watch means ingredients are there for a thunderstorm to take place.
Regardless of severity, all thunderstorms are dangerous, and can bring heavy rain, strong winds, hail, and lightning. High winds — even without rain — can knock down trees and power lines, damage buildings, and send debris flying at dangerous speeds. In rare cases, severe thunderstorms can also produce tornadoes.
Who is most at risk: People who are outdoors, especially in open areas or near trees and power lines. People near scaffolding or construction sites. People on higher floors or in rooms with large windows. Anyone who needs extra time or help to move to a safer spot indoors. People in mobile homes, RVs, or temporary structures, which offer little protection from high winds or tornadoes. People in basement apartments.
During Thunderstorms, Heavy Winds & Tornadoes
Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or see a life-threatening situation.
If you hear thunder, go inside. Get into a sturdy building and stay there.
Move away from windows. Go to an interior room on a lower floor. Stay away from glass doors, porches, balconies, and rooftops. Do not touch electrical equipment or plumbing(sinks, showers, or baths) during a thunderstorm. Avoid corded phones.
If a Severe Thunderstorm Watch or Warning, or High Wind Watch or Warning is issued, go to your safe indoor spot and stay there until the warning expires. If you are in a mobile home or temporary structure, leave immediately and go to the nearest sturdy building. These structures are not safe in severe conditions, even if they are secured.
If you cannot get indoors, stay away from trees, power lines, scaffolding, open fields, and bodies of water. If a tornado is approaching and you have no shelter, lie flat in a low-lying area, cover your head, and stay away from trees and vehicles.
If you must drive, slow down and allow extra travel time. Never drive through standing water or around barricades. If a tornado is nearby, do not try to outrun it in a car — get out and seek sturdy shelter immediately.
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