August 27, 2020 — The New York City Emergency Management Department advises New Yorkers of the potential for severe weather this afternoon. The National Weather Service has placed the city at an enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms this afternoon through the evening, with damaging winds in excess of 60 mph, large hail, and rain possible. A total of 0.25 inch of rain is expected with this event, but locally higher amounts are possible. Localized minor to moderate urban flooding may occur in low-lying and poor drainage areas. An isolated tornado cannot be ruled out. 

“The damaging winds and potentially severe thunderstorms expected this afternoon may create dangerous travel conditions. New Yorkers are advised to limit travel and stay inside during periods of severe weather. If you are outside during a thunderstorm, avoid open areas and try to seek shelter indoors,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Deanne Criswell. “We are working closely with National Weather Service to monitor this afternoon’s conditions, and are prepared to respond rapidly to any impacts.”

Strong winds can bring down trees and power lines and can turn unsecured objects into dangerous projectiles. They can also cause power outages. To prepare for these hazards, New Yorkers should:

• Check the area immediately surrounding your home for unsecured objects or potentially dangerous conditions. Tree limbs, garbage cans, yard debris, or other materials that can be moved by the wind are potential projectiles aimed at your home or parked vehicle.
• Bring inside loose, lightweight objects such as lawn furniture, potted plants, garbage cans, garden tools and toys.
• Anchor objects that would be unsafe outside, such as gas grills or propane tanks.
• Close up and secure patio furniture.
• Secure retractable awnings.
• Remove aerial antennas and satellite television dishes.
• Charge cell phone batteries, gather supplies, and turn your refrigerator and freezer to a colder setting. If you lose power, items that need refrigeration will stay cooler for longer.
• Make sure your flashlights and any battery-operated radios or televisions are working. Keep extra batteries.
• If you lose power and have a disability, access and functional needs or use Life Sustaining Equipment (LSE) and need immediate assistance, dial 911.
• Do not use generators indoors.
• If you see downed electrical wires, do not go near them. Never attempt to move or touch them with any object. Be mindful that tree limbs, leaves, or water can cover downed wires from view. Always stay away from downed power lines because they could be live.
• Report downed wires immediately. If a power line falls on your car while you are in it, stay inside the vehicle and wait for emergency personnel.
• Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities, access and functional needs, or health conditions. Help them to prepare if needed.

Before and during an emergency, the City will send emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through various channels including Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency notification system. Through Notify NYC, New Yorkers can receive phone calls, text messages, and/or email alerts about traffic and transit disruptions and other emergencies. New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency communications program. To sign up, download the free mobile application, visit NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, call 311, or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter. For more safety tips, visit NYC.gov/EmergencyManagement.

MEDIA CONTACT:           NYC Emergency Management Press Office (718) 422-4888

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