SOUTHERN TIER, N.Y. (WBNG) — The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch on Wednesday for five Southern Tier counties, according to the National Weather Service out of Binghamton.
The National Weather Service out of Binghamton issued the watch at 4:41 p.m. and will run until 11 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 2.
The watch has stretched to include 29 counties in New York, with the following five in our coverage area:
BroomeCortland Tioga Tompkins Chenango
The watch was issued as weather conditions could lead to severe storms and tornadoes.
The New York State Office of Emergency Management recommends residents know their safe locations, ideally a basement or interior room, along with the signs of a tornado.
Signs include, but aren’t limited to, dark or green skies, a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud, and loud or roaring sounds.
Residents are asked to act quickly if the watch is upgraded to a warning, or if they suspect a tornado is approaching, the state said.
The National Weather Service will issue an alert when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. If you receive a warning, take action right away.
Officials said to take shelter in a substantial structure. If one is not available near you, lie flat in a ditch or low spot with your hands shielding your head.
If inside a structure, go to a basement or interior room on the lowest floor of the building; stay away from windows. Closets, bathrooms, and other interior rooms are the best protection, officials said.
For more tips and updates, stick with the First Alert Weather Team and the state Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.
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