Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to use caution as the risk for strong to severe thunderstorms moving into parts of Western and Central New York and the Finger Lakes has increased for later this afternoon into tomorrow morning. Rainfall rates of more than one and a half inches per hour are likely with peak rainfall totals of more than two inches possible, with the potential for localized rainfall totals of more than four inches. Wind gusts over 60 miles per hour are possible and hail measuring over an inch could fall in areas across the state. Isolated tornadoes cannot be ruled out as a possibility with this system. A Flood Watch will go into effect for areas across Central New York, the Southern Tier, Finger Lakes and Mohawk Valley beginning 4 p.m. today and continuing into Wednesday morning.
“It’s the season for quick changes in weather for New York and it’s important to be prepared with the increased risk for severe storms that are impacting New York this evening,” Governor Hochul said. “I urge all New Yorkers to exercise caution by staying weather aware and monitoring your local forecast for rapidly changing conditions.”
The Governor directed State agencies to monitor the impact of these storms and stand ready to respond and assist. The State's Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is in contact with their local counterparts and is prepared to facilitate any local requests for assistance. State stockpiles are ready to deploy emergency response assets and supplies as needed. The State Watch Center, New York’s 24/7 alert and warning hub, is monitoring the storm track and statewide impacts closely.
New Yorkers should ensure that government emergency alerts are enabled on their mobile phones. They should also sign up for real-time weather and emergency alerts that will be texted to their phones by texting their county or borough name to 333111.
Residents are encouraged to monitor their local forecasts, weather watches and warnings. For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website.
Thunderstorm Safety Tips
Thunderstorms are dangerous storms that can produce 50+ mph winds, lightning, hail and cause flash flooding and tornadoes. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to a safe shelter immediately.
Move to a sturdy building. Do not take shelter in small sheds, under isolated trees, or in convertible automobiles. If lightning occurs and sturdy shelter is not available, get inside a hard top automobile and keep windows up. Get out of boats and away from water.
Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances not necessary for obtaining weather information. Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances. Do not take a bath or shower. Turn off air conditioners — power surges from lightning can overload compressors.
Get to higher ground if flash flooding or flooding is possible. Do not attempt to drive to safety — most flash flooding deaths occur in automobiles. If outdoors, find a low spot away from trees, fences, and poles. If you are in the woods, take shelter under short trees. If you feel your skin tingle or your hair stands on end, squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet; place your hands on your knees with your head between them; make yourself the smallest target possible; and minimize your contact with the ground.
Tornado Safety Tips
If outdoors: Seek shelter in a substantial building immediately. If there is no shelter nearby, lie flat in a ditch or low spot with your hands shielding your head. Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car; instead, leave it immediately. If at home or in a small building: Go to the basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of the building. Stay away from windows. Closets, bathrooms, and other interior rooms offer the best protection. Get under something sturdy or cover yourself with a mattress. If in a school, hospital, or shopping center: Go to a pre-designated shelter area. Stay away from large open areas and windows. Do not go outside to your car.
If in a high-rise building: Go to an interior small room or hallway on the lowest floor possible. Do not use the elevators. Use the stairs.
If in a mobile home or vehicle: Get out of mobile homes or vehicles - they are easily tossed about by strong winds in the tornado.
Take shelter in a substantial structure: If there is no shelter near-by, lie flat in a ditch or low spot with your hands shielding your head.
Tips to stay safe when there is the potential for flash flooding:
Before and During the Storm
Stay Informed: Monitor your local weather forecast and follow any warnings that may be broadcast. Follow Instructions from Local Officials: If you are advised by emergency officials to take immediate action such as evacuation, do not wait — follow all orders promptly. Do Not Walk, Swim or Drive Through Floodwaters: One foot of moving water can sweep a vehicle away. If you have doubts, remember: “Turn Around, Don't Drown!”
Know your evacuation route and how to get to higher ground.
Know your area's type of flood risk — visit FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Have a flood emergency plan in place that includes considerations for your children, pets and neighbors. Have an emergency go bag ready to grab for you, your family and your pets that includes any medications you may need.
Check in with elderly neighbors or those who may have mobility issues.
Do not touch downed power lines. Keep your phone charged.
Keep a small disaster supply kit in the trunk of your car. After Flood Waters Have Receded
Wait until an area has been declared safe before entering. Be careful driving, since roads may be damaged and power lines may be down. If your home or apartment has been flooded, DO NOT turn on electrical appliances until an electrician has checked the system and appliances. Throw out any medicine or food that may have had contact with flood waters. Keep your automobile fueled. If electric power is cut off, gasoline stations may not be able to pump fuel for several days. Do not touch downed power lines.
For more preparedness information and safety tips from the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, visit dhses.ny.gov.
The National Weather Service website also includes Flood Safety Tips.
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