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NOUS41 KALY 221200
PNSALY
800 AM EDT Tue April 22 2025

...Severe Weather Awareness Week Continues...

Today we review severe thunderstorms.

Severe thunderstorms are defined as thunderstorms
with wind speeds of 58 mph or greater and
or hail of one inch in diameter or larger. Severe
thunderstorms occur most frequently during the summer
and during the afternoon, but occur in all seasons and
at all times of the day.

Severe thunderstorm winds uproot and snap trees, take
down power, cable and internet lines and can cause
structural damage to buildings. Hail can damage roofs
and siding and shatter glass. You should prepare for
severe thunderstorms. Develop a severe weather safety
plan. Identify safe shelters where you can go should a
severe thunderstorm threaten. Keep tuned to your favorite
media outlet for the latest National Weather Service
statements concerning severe thunderstorms.

Although the National Weather Service issues warnings
for only those thunderstorms expected to meet wind and
hail warning criteria, all thunderstorms are dangerous.
By definition, thunderstorms contain lightning. If you
can hear thunder, you can be struck by lightning.
Once you hear thunder, seek shelter immediately in a
safe structure. Most lightning fatalities occur when
people are caught outdoors. If thunder roars, go indoors.

Thunderstorms require moisture, lift and unstable air to
develop. Moisture is necessary for the clouds and rain.
Lift is usually supplied by warm or cold fronts, sea or
lake breezes, mountains or the sun`s heat. Lift supplied
to moist air in an unstable environment results in the
development of thunderstorms.

Thunderstorms progress through three stages: developing,
mature and dissipating. It is in the mature stage that
thunderstorms are most dangerous, capable of producing
severe weather.

The National Weather Service issues severe thunderstorm
watches and warnings to alert you to a severe thunderstorm
threat. A severe thunderstorm watch means that severe
thunderstorms are possible. Continue with your daily routine,
but be ready to take quick action should a severe thunderstorm
warning be issued. A severe thunderstorm warning means that severe
thunderstorms are imminent or occurring. Seek shelter immediately.

NWS severe thunderstorm warnings are issued for small geographic
areas taking into account thunderstorm size and motion. If you
receive a severe thunderstorm warning, you are likely close to a
storm or storms. NWS severe thunderstorm warnings have a duration
of 1 hour or less.

Tomorrow we take a look at severe weather safety and preparedness.

For more information on Severe Weather Awareness Week, go to our web
site www.weather.gov/albany or visit us on social media @NWSAlbany.
Help us make the United States a weather ready nation by sharing this
information with everyone you know.
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NWS Albany