On Tuesday at 1:18 p.m. the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning in effect until 1:30 p.m. for Broome and Chenango counties.
Wind gusts of up to 60 mph and penny-sized hail (0.75 inches) are probable.
“At 1:17 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located over Chenango Forks, or 9 miles east of Greater Binghamton Airport, moving east at 55 mph,” states the weather service. “Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.”
Locations impacted by the warning include Chenango Valley State Park, Chenango Forks, Chenango Bridge, Port Dickinson, Castle Creek, Port Crane, Greater Binghamton Airport, Sanitaria Springs, Nanticoke and Smithville Flats.
According to the weather service, “For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.”

Preparing for impending lightning strikes: Expert safety recommendations
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 ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, consider the following recommendations:
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 signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s a clear indication of nearby lightning.
- Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.
Indoors safety measures:
- Once you’ve found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching windows and doors.
- These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.
Wait for the all-clear:
- After the last…


