A report was issued from the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 3:53 a.m. for strong thunderstorms until 5 a.m. for Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Erie counties.
Expect pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts of up to 40 mph.
“At 3:53 a.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm 12 miles northwest of Salamanca, moving northeast at 50 mph,” according to the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.”
The warning is for Salamanca, Allegany State Park, Eden, Springville, Gowanda, Ashford, Arcade, Franklinville, North Collins, Ashford Hollow, East Concord, Concord, Collins, Yorkshire, Sardinia, Great Valley, New Albion, Dayton, Conewango and Ellington. This includes Interstate 86 between exits 19 and 21.
According to the weather service, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.”
Preparing for approaching lightning: Expert safety advice
Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 individuals annually, as reported by the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves away.
To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, consider the following recommendations:
1. Lightning safety plan:
- When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
- Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
- Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.
2. Indoors safety measures:
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