A severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Mount Holly at 3:23 p.m. on Thursday, July 3. This warning applies to Berks, Bucks, Lehigh and Montgomery counties.
Meteorologists warn of winds as strong as 60 mph.
Use caution, officials warn of hail as large as 1 inch.
The NWS warns: “For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. In addition to large hail and damaging winds, frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Move indoors immediately. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.”
See weather radar for Bucks County
What are NWS meteorologists saying?
At 3:23 p.m., the NWS issued a statement:
“The National Weather Service in Mount Holly NJ has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for: Northeastern Berks County in eastern Pennsylvania, Southeastern Lehigh County in eastern Pennsylvania, Northwestern Montgomery County in southeastern Pennsylvania, West central Bucks County in southeastern Pennsylvania, Until 4 p.m. EDT. At 3:23 p.m. EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Topton, or 14 miles northeast of Reading, moving southeast at 25 mph.
HAZARD: 60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.
SOURCE: Radar indicated.
IMPACT: Minor damage to vehicles is possible. Wind damage to roofs, siding, trees, and power lines is possible. Locations impacted include: Emmaus, Kutztown, Fleetwood, East Greenville, Topton, Bally, Bechtelsville, Green Lane, Lyons, Zionsville, Geryville, Ancient Oaks, Pennsburg, Macungie, Coopersburg, Red Hill, and Alburtis.”
What is a severe thunderstorm warning?
A severe thunderstorm warning means the area is experiencing or is about to experience a storm with winds of 58 mph or higher or hail an inch in diameter or larger.
Tips for staying safe during thunderstorms
Once in a shelter, stay away from windows and avoid electrical equipment and plumbing.
Keep a battery-powered weather radio nearby in case of loss of power.
Remember to bring pets inside.
If there is time, secure loose objects outside as these objects often become dangerous flying debris in high winds.
Postpone outdoor activities until the storms have passed.
Reporters Jana Hayes and Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez contributed to this article.
This weather report was generated automatically using information from the National Weather Service and a story written and reviewed by an editor.
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This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Severe thunderstorm warning issued for Bucks County