The National Weather Service issued a report at 3:31 p.m. on Thursday for strong thunderstorms until 4:15 p.m. for Fulton, Montgomery and Schenectady counties.
Wind gusts of up to 40 mph and marble-sized hail (0.5 inches) are foreseen.
“At 3:31 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Gloversville, moving south at 20 mph,” says the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”
Locations impacted by the alert include Amsterdam, Gloversville, Johnstown, Fonda, Broadalbin, Hagaman, Fort Johnson, Tribes Hill, Perth, Glen, Berkshire, Charleston, Fultonville, Meco, West Perth, Munsonville, Church Corners, Rockwell Corners, Young Corners and Market Corners. This includes Interstate 90 between exits 27 and 28.
According to the weather service, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”
Preparing for approaching lightning: Expert safety advice
Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately 20 people annually, as reported by the weather service. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer, peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually waning as it moves away.
To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, consider the following recommendations:
Lightning safety plan:
- When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
- Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s a clear indication of nearby lightning.
- Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.
Indoors safety measures:
- Once you’ve found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and…
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