NY weather: part of New York under a severe thunderstorm watch until early Thursday [Video]

On Wednesday at 6:20 p.m. a severe thunderstorm watch was issued by the National Weather Service in effect until Thursday at midnight for the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island as well as Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk and Westchester counties.

Lightning on the horizon: Expert safety measures for thunderstorms

Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately 20 people annually, as reported by the weather service. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer, peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually waning as it moves away.

To guarantee your safety in the midst of a thunderstorm, take into account the following recommendations:

1. Lightning safety plan:

• When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
• Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous …