Severe thunderstorms moving through tri-state area
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By MYFOX NEW YORK STAFF
MYFOXNY.COM -
The New York City Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has activated its Flash Flood Plan Sunday. The plan is activated when it is forecasted to rain one inch per hour for the duration of an hour and/or the forecast predicts rainfall of two inches or more.
The OEM has advised New Yorkers to take precautions during severe thunderstorms and the National Weather Service could issue an emergency alert for flash flooding.
According to the National Weather Service, showers and thunderstorms developing Sunday evening into Monday morning will be capable of producing torrential downpours and damaging winds.
Flash flooding can occur with little or no warning due to the city's dense population and paved surfaces. These surfaces do not allow rainwater to be absorbed into the ground and can result in storm drains often being overwhelmed, causing localized flooding.
The OEM has provided severe weather preparedness tips:
Downbursts and winds associated with severe thunderstorms can produce heavy gusts of wind. The resulting damage can equal that of most tornadoes. If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued:
Stay inside and take shelter.
Pay attention to local weather forecasts and bulletins issued by the National Weather Service on local radio stations.
Shutter windows securely and lock outside doors.
Secure outdoor objects such as lawn furniture or garbage cans that could blow away and cause damage or injury.
During any powerful storm OEM strongly urges New Yorkers to remain indoors. If you must go out:
Never touch or go near down power lines, even if you think they are safe
When outside, remember floods are deceptive. Try to avoid flooded areas, and don't attempt to walk across stretches of flood waters more than knee deep
Do NOT drive through flooded areas. Parts of the road may already be washed out, and you could become stranded or trapped
If there is a power outage:
First, check to see if a fuse is blown or a circuit breaker has been tripped.
Call your power provider immediately to report the outage.
Con Edison 24-hour hotline: 1-800-75-CONED (752-6633)
National Grid 24-hour hotline: 1-800-867-5222
Disconnect or turn off all appliances that will go on automatically when service is restored.
In order to prevent food spoilage, keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Move milk, cheese, meats, and other perishables into the freezer compartment.
Check on your neighbors including older New Yorkers and those with special needs.
Report downed branches and power outage-related issues by calling 311.
For more information about severe weather, visit www.nyc.gov/oem
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