PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW YORK NY
600 AM EDT MON APR 29 2013

...This is Severe Weather Awareness Week...

The National Weather Service in partnership with several New York 
Agencies including the New York State Disaster Preparedness Commission is 
promoting severe weather safety for all people.

Over the last 10 years, on average severe weather has killed over 278 
people per year across the United States.  In just the past year, severe 
weather across the nation was responsible for 7 events that caused more 
than a billion dollars in damage each.  On average, the National Weather 
Service on Long Island issues 93 Severe Thunderstorm Warnings, 8 Tornado 
Warnings and 93 Flash Flood Warnings each year.  To reduce your chances 
of being killed or injured by severe weather, it is important to 
understand the meaning of severe weather watches and warnings. 

Severe thunderstorms produce winds of at least 58 mph, and/or hail of at 
least one inch in diameter, and/or a tornado.  A Severe Thunderstorm 
Watch means that severe thunderstorms are possible within the next few 
hours, typically less than six hours.  You should continue with your 
daily routine, but be prepared to move to a place of safety should a 
Severe Thunderstorm Warning be issued.  A Severe Thunderstorm Warning 
means that severe thunderstorms are imminent or occurring.  A warning 
implies a significant threat to life and property.  You should seek 
shelter immediately when a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued.  Our 
goal is to correctly forecast at least 85 percent of all severe 
thunderstorms with an average lead-time of at least 18 minutes.

Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air in contact with the 
ground and attached to the cloud base above.  Like a Severe Thunderstorm 
Watch, a Tornado Watch means that tornadoes are possible over the next 
few hours, again usually less than six hours.  A Tornado Warning means 
that a tornado is imminent or occurring.  A Tornado Warning implies an 
immediate threat to life and property.  Take shelter immediately.  Our 
goal is to correctly forecast at least 72 percent of all tornadoes.

Flash flooding is a rapid rise, within six hours, of water along a stream 
or low-lying urban area.  The most common cause of flash flooding is 
downpours associated with thunderstorms.  A Flash Flood Watch means that 
conditions are favorable for flash flooding. Continue with your daily 
activities, but be prepared to head to a place of safety should a Flash 
Flood Warning be issued.  A Flash Flood Warning means that flooding is 
imminent or occurring. Floodwaters can rise rapidly. Seek shelter 
immediately when a Flash Flood Warning is issued.  Our goal is to 
correctly forecast 74 percent of all flash floods with an average lead 
time of 45 minutes.

NOAA Weather Radio All-Hazards offers the best way to stay in touch with 
weather conditions whether at home, work or play.  It provides continuous 
broadcasts of weather information, with immediate relay of any severe 
weather warnings. NOAA's National Weather Service recommends everyone 
have access to a NOAA weather radio. For more information on severe 
weather awareness, go to our web page. 

Tomorrow we take a look at severe thunderstorms. 

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