Hazardous Weather Outlook Issued for Oyster Bay

The National Weather Service has issued the following hazardous weather outlook for Long Island:

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM DEVELOPMENT IS POSSIBLE TUESDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING AS A COLD FRONT TRACKS THROUGH THE REGION. DAMAGING WIND GUSTS AND LARGE HAIL WILL BE THE PRIMARY THREATS...HOWEVER THERE IS ALSO A LOW CHANCE OF AN ISOLATED TORNADO.

Severe or not, AccuWeather.com says any thunderstorms that roll through the Northeast on Tuesday will be accompanied by frequent lightning.

• Click here for Oyster Bay’s in-depth weather forecast

So as this week is recognized as Lightning Safety Week by the National Weather Service, this seems like a good time to review lightning safety tips.

So far this year, the NWS has confirmed seven lightning related fatalities, four of which occurred during recreational activities.

Lightning Safety Awareness Week is June 21 through June 27 and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) advises it’s a great opportunity to review safety procedures. Foremost, it’s important to remember — “When thunder roars, go indoors!”

Do you and your family know what to do if you’re caught outside during a thunderstorm?

In a statement, NOAA said, “Talk with your family about lightning safety and how to reduce the risk of being struck by lightning even while indoors.” According to the agency, there are three main ways lightning enters structures — through a direct strike, through wires or pipes that extend outside the structure, and through the ground.

NOAA offers several tips to stay safe while indoors during a thunderstorm, including:

• Use cellular or cordless phone; do not use corded phones;
• You can safely use remote controls, but do not touch electrical equipment such as computers, TVs or cords;
• Do not wash your hands, take a shower, wash dishes or do laundry;
• Stay away from windows, doors and porches; and
• Do not lie or sit on concrete floors or lean against concrete walls.

NOAA also can help parents make learning about lightning fun for kids with these interactive NOAA games and experiments.

Photo credit: frankieleon via Flickr.com.