The National Weather Service Binghamton has issued a tornado watch for Broome and surrounding counties.
At 10 a.m. on June 18, the NWS issued a tornado watch which will remain in effect until 3 p.m.
It also covers Tioga, Tompkins, Chenango, Chemung, Steuben, Cortland and Delaware counties.
The National Weather Service said a strong cold front will push through the area with gusty winds and scattered showers and thunderstorms. Severe storms with damaging gusts will be possible, though isolated tornadoes cannot be ruled out.
A tornado warning has been issued for southwestern Cortland County and northern Tompkins County. A severe thunderstorm, which the National Weather Service said was capable of producing a tornado, was located near Taughannock Falls at 11:13 a.m., moving east at 50 mph.
New York weather radar
What is a tornado watch?
When a tornado watch is in place, tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area, according to the National Weather Service.
A tornado watch is when the conditions are primed for a tornado, but no tornado has formed. Tornado watches can last hours, and a tornado may never touch down.
The National Weather Service suggests people who are in the watch area review and discuss their emergency plans, check supplies and have a safe room in case the weather takes a turn for the worse.
New York severe weather watches and warnings
What is a tornado warning?
When a tornado warning is issued it means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. There is imminent danger to life and property.
Here are some suggestions from the National Weather Service if a tornado warning is issued for your area:
Warnings typically are for a much smaller area that may be impacted by a tornado identified by a forecaster on radar, a trained spotter or law enforcement who is watching the storm, according to the National Weather Service.
Tornado warnings are issued by your local forecast office.
How to stay safe during a tornado
If a tornado touches down, get as low as possible, according to the NWS. A basement below ground level or the lowest floor of a building offers the greatest safety. Put as many walls between yourself and the outside as possible and avoid any windows.
If you’re driving, particularly on highways, do not try to outrun a tornado. Look for ways to safely get off the road and out of your vehicle, preferably by seeking refuge in a sturdy building.
As a last resort, lie flat in the nearest depression, ditch or culvert and cover your head with your arms.
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Storm threat grows as tornado watch covers Southern Tier
Reporting by Jillian McCarthy, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jillian McCarthy, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin | USA TODAY Network
