The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a weather alert for Dutchess County at 9:07 p.m. on Monday, warning residents of strong thunderstorms expected until 9:30 p.m. The storm brings gusty winds of up to 40 mph and the potential for pea-sized hail (0.25 inches).

At 9:06 p.m., Doppler radar detected the storm near New Fairfield, moving northeast at 35 mph. The NWS cautioned that gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow unsecured objects around, while minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.

Affected areas include Baker Corner, Candlewood Trails, Lower Merryall, Marble Dale, North Kent, Morris, Bulls Bridge, Upper Merryall, Cornwall Bridge Pottery, Erickson Corner, Dempsey Landing, Bethlehem Village, Candlewood Point, Hatch Four Corners, Bethlehem, Woodville, Hurd Corners, Sandy Beach, Gaylordsville Station, and Wellsville.

The NWS advises, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”

Lightning Safety Tips for Thunderstorms

Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the majority occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning kills around 20 people annually, according to the NWS. The risk of lightning-related incidents is highest when a thunderstorm is overhead and decreases as the storm moves away.

For those caught outdoors during a thunderstorm, follow these safety guidelines to reduce the risk of lightning strikes:

• Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as these areas increase exposure to lightning.
• Stay away from tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, take shelter near shorter trees.
• Spread out if in a group to prevent lightning current from transferring between individuals.
• Do not camp in an open area during a storm. If camping is unavoidable, choose a valley, ravine, or low-lying area. Tents offer no protection from lightning.
• Avoid water bodies, wet objects, and metal items. While water and metal do not attract lightning, they are excellent conductors of electricity.

By staying vigilant and following these safety tips, residents can reduce the risk of lightning-related injuries and fatalities during thunderstorms.