Like many other parts of the country, the New York City area experiences thunderstorms, floods, high winds, and tornadoes. Severe weather should be taken seriously, as it can cause serious injury, inflict costly damages to homes and businesses, and disrupt our daily lives.

Some 90 percent of all presidentially declared disasters across the United States are weather-related, and account for around 500 deaths and nearly $14 billion in damage per year. Each year, Americans cope with an average of 10,000 thunderstorms, 2,500 floods and 1,000 tornadoes.

Thunderstorms can produce lightning, flash floods, hail and damaging winds. Between 1959 and 2002, 132 people died in New York State after being struck by lightning. Two New Yorkers were killed in a August 2004 thunderstorm after they stepped out of their car into a flooded intersection electrified by a downed power line.

Severe storms can even spawn tornadoes, which often leave broken tree limbs, downed power lines and other debris in their wake. Though infrequent, tornado outbreaks in New York City are not unprecedented. Additionally, a storm's high winds can cause downed trees and power lines, flying debris and building collapses, which may lead to power outages, transportation disruptions, and damage to buildings and vehicles.

While the City closely monitors weather in the New York metro area, severe weather can occur with little or no warning. Because of the potential devastation that can occur as a result of severe storms, you should prepare for the dangers associated with various types of severe weather.

Severe Weather Facts