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A severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Upton at 3:18 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 19 for the New York City-metropolitan area. This warning applies to Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic, Union counties in New Jersey; and Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Queens, Richmond, Rockland and Westchester counties in New York.
Meteorologists warn of winds as strong as 60 mph.
Use caution, officials warn of hail as large as 0.75 inches.
The NWS warns: “For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.”
Lower Hudson Valley weather radar
What are NWS meteorologists saying?
At 3:18 p.m., the NWS issued a statement including the following information:
“The National Weather Service in Upton NY has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for: Hudson County in northeastern New Jersey, Passaic County in northeastern New Jersey, Union County in northeastern New Jersey, Bergen County in northeastern New Jersey, Essex County in northeastern New Jersey, Southern Orange County in southeastern New York, Queens County in southeastern New York, Richmond County in southeastern New York, Bronx County in southeastern New York, Kings County in southeastern New York, Rockland County in southeastern New York, Westchester County in southeastern New York, New York (Manhattan) County in southeastern New York, Southwestern Nassau County in southeastern New York, Until 4:15 p.m. EST. At 3:14 p.m. EST, showers with embedded thunderstorms were located along a line extending from 6 miles east of Pecks Pond to Greendell to near Bridgewater to near Windsor, moving east at 50 mph.
HAZARD: 60 mph wind gusts.
SOURCE: Trained weather spotters.
IMPACT: Expect damage to trees and power lines. Severe thunderstorms will be near, Plainfield around 3:25 p.m. EST. Summit and Port Jervis around 3:30 p.m. EST. Linden and West Milford around 3:35 p.m. EST. Newark and Elizabeth around 3:40 p.m. EST. Paterson and Passaic around 3:45 p.m. EST. Jersey City and Hoboken around 3:50 p.m. EST. Flatbush and Bergenfield around 3:55 p.m. EST. Flushing and Mott Haven around 4 p.m. EST. Jamaica and Yonkers around 4:05 p.m. EST.”
What is a severe thunderstorm warning?
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued when a storm is occurring or about to occur with winds of 58 mph or higher or hail one inch in diameter or larger, the National Weather Service says. These storms can also bring heavy rain and, in some cases, flooding or flash flooding.
Tips for staying safe during thunderstorms
- Once inside a shelter, stay away from windows and avoid using electrical equipment or plumbing.
- Keep a battery-powered weather radio nearby in case of power loss.
- Secure loose objects outside, as they can become dangerous during high winds.
- Bring pets inside, and if time allows, make sure fences are secure to prevent pets from escaping or running away.
Also, remember lightning can travel several miles from a storm, so hearing thunder means you’re within striking distance. The common advice from experts is “When thunder roars, go indoors.”
How to stay safe around lightning
If indoors:
- Stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that puts you in direct contact with electricity, according to the NWS.
- Avoid plumbing, including sinks, baths, faucets and even toilets, if you can.
- Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
- Do not lie on concrere floors or lay against concrete walls.
If in a vehicle:
- Ensure all windows are fully closed.
- Refrain from touching radios, ignition systems, or any metal parts connected to the vehicle’s exterior.
- Stay inside the vehicle until at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder.
What to do if a vehicle is struck by lightning
- Stay inside . Your car acts as a Faraday cage, directing the electricity around you and protecting you.
- Keep hands on your lap and away from metal surfaces .
- Do not touch the radio, dashboard, or any electrical components.
- Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before exiting.
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This weather report was generated automatically using information from the National Weather Service and a story written and reviewed by an editor.
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