With chance of severe weather, Nassau County postpones outdoor events

In light of what the weather service called a "moderate" risk for severe thunderstorms that could contain heavy rain, damaging wind, lightning, hail and even a tornado, Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano announced the postponement of the Outdoor Summer Movie Night at Eisenhower Park's Lakeside Theatre as well as the Summer Concert Under the Stars at Wantagh Park, both scheduled for tonight.

"Due to the fact that Long Island often has warm, humid conditions throughout the summer months that are conducive to thunderstorms and lightning, I encourage residents to take every precaution during storms such as the one expected to pass through Nassau County today," Mangano said in a written statement. The movie and concert will be rescheduled for the near future, his statement added.

Governor Andrew Cuomo also urged New Yorkers to prepare for the possibility of widespread power outages. And in an unusual move, he postponed scheduled events in Rochester and Syracuse and instead travelled to New York City to manage storm preparations and response.

“The National Weather Service has issued an updated weather advisory that warns of strong thunderstorms passing through the state throughout the day, primarily in the southern areas of upstate New York and the New York City area," Cuomo said in a statement on July 26. "I have activated the State Emergency Operations Center where Homeland Security Commissioner Jerome Hauer will be stationed throughout the day and night. New Yorkers should be especially aware of the weather conditions when making their travel plans today and monitor local news reports and weather alerts throughout the day.

New York State Office of Emergency Management Director Steven Kuhr said, "Families and individuals should have an emergency kit and an emergency plan in place. Your emergency kit should include items such as non-perishable food, water, a portable radio, flashlights and extra batteries. Pay attention to Emergency Alert System (EAS) messages that carry local information and emergency orders, such as evacuation or travel restrictions. If emergency orders are issued, do not hesitate – take immediate action."

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 be projectiles during the storm.

· If you have a basement, check sump pumps to ensure they are operating and be prepared to use a backup 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 cellphones and important electronic devices

· Stay off roads. If you are traveling, find safe shelter immediately.

If you must travel:

· Do not attempt to drive over flooded roads – turn around and go another way. Water moving at two miles per hour can sweep cars off a road or bridge.