New York, New York – As spring storm systems strengthen across the United States, emergency officials are urging New York residents to review tornado safety plans now as severe weather threats increase across the Northeast.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), tornado activity typically rises during the spring and early summer months as warm, moisture-rich air collides with colder weather systems moving across the country. While New York is not traditionally associated with Tornado Alley, the state still experiences several tornadoes each year, especially when strong thunderstorms develop along powerful cold fronts.
Cities including New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Albany can all experience tornado-producing storms when severe weather systems move through the Northeast. Tornadoes in this region often develop quickly within strong lines of thunderstorms or rotating cells, sometimes giving residents only minutes to respond once warnings are issued.
NOAA recommends that residents identify a safe shelter location inside homes, workplaces or schools before storms develop. The safest place during a tornado is a basement or underground shelter, where individuals should move immediately once a tornado warning is issued.
If a basement is not available, experts recommend sheltering in a small interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, such as a bathroom, closet or hallway without windows. Residents should stay away from windows, exterior walls and large open rooms, which can be more vulnerable to structural damage during intense winds.
Mobile homes and vehicles are particularly dangerous during tornadoes. Anyone in those locations should move to a nearby sturdy building or designated storm shelter well before severe weather arrives.
Officials also stress having multiple ways to receive warnings, including Wireless Emergency Alerts on smartphones, NOAA Weather Radio and local television or radio broadcasts.
Preparing ahead of time can save lives. As spring severe weather patterns continue developing across the Northeast, NOAA encourages New York residents to stay weather aware and review tornado safety plans before the next round of storms approaches.
