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This Pennsylvania Severe Weather Awareness Week web briefing is brought to you by the
National Weather Service in State College. The week of March 3rd through March 7th has
been designated as Severe weather awareness week in Pennsylvania. Each day, a different
topic will be addressed to highlight significant severe weather hazards and safety precautions
to take when severe weather strikes. Today's topic is severe thunderstorms. We will explain
the definition of a severe thunderstorm, the difference between a severe thunderstorm watch
and a severe thunderstorm warning, and give you tips on what to do when a severe thunderstorm
watch or warning is issued for your location.
A severe thunderstorm watch gives you advance notice that conditions are favorable for the
possibility of severe thunderstorms. When you are in a severe thunderstorm watch, be
sure to stay alert for changing weather conditions. Remember, a watch is not a warning. A severe
thunderstorm warning is issued for storms capable of producing winds of 58 mph or greater
and/or hail one-inch in diameter or larger, so you need to take quick action to protect yourself
from harms way. In addition to large hail and damaging winds, severe thunderstorms are
often accompanied by torrential downpours and frequent lightning. To stay safe during
the storm: If you are at home or in a small building, go to the lowest floor. Stay away
from windows and avoid using electrical appliances or corded telephones. If you are driving,
safely pull over to the side of the road until the storm passes.
For more information, please visit our webpage at weather.gov/statecollege. The National
Weather Service in State College is on social media - so like us Facebook, follow us on
Twitter and watch for future video's on YouTube. Thank you for tuning in and have a safe severe
weather season! †