Hudson Valley Forecast For Severe Weather Awareness Week

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — This is Severe Weather Awareness Week, and since we've had severe thunderstorms in the forecast three times in the past six weeks, we decided to pay attention.

The National Weather Service defines a severe thunderstorm as a storm capable of producing wind gusts over 58 mph or hail that is an inch or larger. Hail that size can damage property such as plants, roofs and vehicles. Wind that strong is able to break off large branches, knock over trees or cause structural damage to trees. Flash flooding, a local problem, often occurs when a line of severe thunderstorms brings heavy rain. They can also produce tornadoes and dangerous lightning.

"If you know what to do before, during, and after severe weather you can increase your chances of survival," the NWS said.

In the Hudson Valley, our workweek weather starts off unsettled but not severe — just chilly, and the chill intensifies as the week goes on.

"Highs on Wednesday will struggle to reach the 50s... and overnight lows could fall near freezing," said Alex Marra and Bill Potter on Hudson Valley Weather's Facebook page. "The cool pattern will take us to the end of April."

Here's the five-day forecast based on Putnam County:

• Monday Afternoon - Mostly cloudy. Highs in the lower 60s. Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph. Gusts up to 20 mph.
• Monday night - Mostly cloudy. A slight chance of showers in the evening, then a chance of showers after midnight. Lows in the mid 40s. South winds 5 to 10 mph. Gusts up to 20 mph in the evening. Chance of rain 30 percent.
• Tuesday - Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of showers. Highs in the lower 60s. South winds around 5 mph.
• Tuesday Night - Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of showers. Lows in the lower 40s. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph.
• Wednesday - Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 50s. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
• Wednesday Night - Partly cloudy in the evening, then becoming mostly clear. Lows in the mid 30s.
• Thursday - Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 50s.
• Thursday Night - Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 30s.
• Friday - Sunny. Highs in the mid 50s.
• Friday Night - Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 30s.

The NWS has a partnership with New York State to educate the public on what to expect from specific weather threats, and how New Yorkers can protect themselves and their families during severe weather events such as thunderstorms, flash flooding — or tornadoes.

The Hudson Valley had one of the unprecedented 11 tornadoes that touched down during a storm in November across New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island.

SEE ALSO:

• Tornado Touches Down In Hudson Valley: Weather Service
• 4th LI Tornado Confirmed During Intense Weekend Storm

"As climate change continues to threaten communities across New York State, we are laser-focused on educating and preparing New Yorkers for severe weather so they can be better equipped for future storms," Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement. "Severe weather events are becoming more common in New York, and as summer comes around the corner, residents should be prepared for what will come in the future. I encourage all New Yorkers to learn more about severe weather and the hazards created by thunderstorms, flooding and tornadoes so you know how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe in a weather emergency."

Below are the four steps to personal preparedness that all New Yorkers should know, state officials said:

1. Make a Plan: Develop a plan for you and your family at home, school, work and outdoors. Identify a safe place to take shelter - both at and away from home - and know what actions to take when an emergency warning is issued.
2. Prepare a Kit: Emergency supplies for your home and car should last 7-10 days and include a flashlight, a weather radio that receives broadcasts directly from the National Weather Service, and extra batteries. Plan for family medical needs and medicines, and make sure you have emergency supplies for all family pets.
3. Be Informed: Stay tuned to TV and radio stations for Emergency Alert System (EAS) messages and follow any local emergency orders. Receive emergency information via your computer or cell phone by subscribing to NY Alert, a free service that provides critical emergency information.
4. Get Involved: Contact your local emergency management office to learn more about emergency plans and personal preparedness tips. Consider volunteering with organizations such as the American Red Cross, New York Cares, Volunteer NY, or the Salvation Army.

SEE:

• Severe Thunderstorm Watch In Effect For Hudson Valley
• Hudson Valley Hazardous Outlook: When Thunderstorms Are Due
• High Winds Leave Thousands Without Power In The Hudson Valley

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