by The National Weather Service issued a strong thunderstorm alert for Orange County on Sunday evening, warning residents to prepare for wind gusts up to 30 mph and hazardous weather conditions.
The advisory, issued at 6:11 p.m., remains in effect until 7:00 p.m., and highlights the threat posed by a storm system tracked over Highland Lake, approximately 13 miles northwest of Port Jervis, moving southeast at 35 mph.
“Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects,” the weather service warned.
Areas under threat from the storm include:
- Middletown,
- Port Jervis,
- Cuddebackville,
- Otisville,
- Huguenot,
- Unionville,
- Deerpark,
- Mechanicstown,
- Westtown,
- Slate Hill,
- Pine Island, and
- New Hampton.
Officials urge anyone outdoors to seek immediate shelter indoors, as strong wind and lightning pose serious safety risks.
Each year, the U.S. is struck by lightning around 25 million times, most frequently during summer months. According to the National Weather Service, lightning results in an average of 20 fatalities annually.
“The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer, peaking when the storm is directly overhead,” the weather service stated.
Residents are advised to monitor local weather updates and take caution with outdoor activities until the storm passes.
