Severe Weather Forecast for Suffolk County

The National Weather Service has indicated there's a moderate risk for severe thunderstorms on Thursday afternoon and evening, with damaging winds and heavy rainfall as the main threats. Large hail is possible, as well.

There's a high rip current risk that remains in effect until this evening with surf height expected to reach seven feet by this afternoon. Additionally there's a moderate lightning risk for ocean beaches in Nassau, Southwest Suffolk County, Queens and Brooklyn.

Governor Andrew Cuomo recently urged New Yorkers to be prepared.

"I urge all New Yorkers to take caution and pay attention to local radio and television reports for the latest information on the progress of these Summer storms," he said in a statement on Wednesday.

"Proper precautions undertaken now could help ensure the strong winds and heavy rain cause as little damage as possible, and families and individuals are kept safe from harm."

The governor offered the following tips as the storm approaches:

Before the storm hits:

• Tie down or bring inside lawn furniture, trash cans, tools and hanging plants that could become projectiles during the storm.
• If you have a basement, then check sump pumps to ensure they're operating and be prepared to use a back-up system.
• Have a standby generator or alternative source of power available.
• Check on neighbors, especially the elderly and disabled.

As the storm approaches:

• Stay inside, away from windows and glass doors.
• Charge your cell phones and important electronic devices.
• Stay off roads. If you are traveling, then find safe shelter immediately.

If you must travel, then:

• Don't attempt to drive over flooded roads - turn around and go another way. Water moving at two miles per hour could sweep cars off a road or bridge.
• Watch for areas where rivers or streams might suddenly rise and flood, such as highway dips, bridges and low areas.
• If you're in your car and water begins to rise rapidly around you, then abandon the vehicle immediately.

If you're at home or at work, then:

• Stay at home unless you've been ordered to leave.
• Turn refrigerators to maximum cold, and open only when necessary.
• Turn off utilities if told to do so by authorities.
• Turn off propane tanks.
• Unplug major appliances.
• Fill large containers with water.

If winds become strong, then:

• Stay away from windows and doors even if they're covered.
• Close all interior doors.
• Secure and brace external doors.
• If you're in a two or multiple-story house, then go to an interior, lower-floor room.
• Remain indoors during a severe thunder storm. If warned of a tornado, then go to a basement or other low area in your home or business, or in a room with no windows.

If you lose electrical service, then:

• Call your utility first to determine area repair schedules. Turn off or unplug lights and appliances to prevent a circuit overload when service is restored. Leave one light on to indicate power's been restored.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to help reduce food spoilage.
• If you've space in your refrigerator or freezer, then fill plastic containers with water, leaving an inch of space inside each one. This will help keep food cold.

If you need to use a generator, then:

• Before installing a generator be sure to properly disconnect from your utility electrical service. If possible, then have your generator installed by a qualified electrician.
• Run generators outside, downwind of structures. Never run a generator indoors. Deadly carbon monoxide gas from the generator's exhaust could spread throughout enclosed spaces.
• Fuel spilled on a hot generator could cause an explosion. If your generator has a detachable fuel tank, then remove it before refilling. If this isn't possible, then shut off the generator and let it cool before refilling.
• Don't exceed the rated capacity of your generator. Most small, home-use portable generators produce 350 to 12,000 watts of power. Overloading your generator could damage it and appliances connected to it, and might cause a fire. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Keep children away from generators at all times.

Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Don't operate generators indoors; the motor emits deadly carbon monoxide gas.
• Don't use charcoal to cook indoors. It, too, could cause a buildup of carbon monoxide gas.
• Don't use your gas oven to heat your home - prolonged use of an open oven in a closed house could create carbon monoxide gas.
• Install a carbon monoxide alarm.

To receive emergency information, subscribe to NY-ALERT, the state’s alert and notification system. Visit www.nyalert.gov. For more information about how to best prepare, visit http://www.nyprepare.gov.