strong storms in NYC. People have been hit by lightning...

[WXBUFFJIM]

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ
404 PM EDT WED MAY 12 2004

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN MOUNT HOLLY NJ HAS ISSUED A

* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR...
NORTHERN MIDDLESEX COUNTY IN NORTHERN NEW JERSEY
THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF...PERTH AMBOY...NEW BRUNSWICK

* UNTIL 500 PM EDT

* AT 400 PM EDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
RAPIDLY DEVELOPING SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING
QUARTER SIZE HAIL. THIS STORM WAS LOCATED NEAR SOCIETY HILL...
OR ABOUT OVER NEW BRUNSWICK...AND MOVING EAST AT 20 MPH.

* THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WILL BE NEAR...
EDISON BY 420 PM EDT
COLONIA AND PERTH AMBOY BY 440 PM EDT
CARTERET BY 455 PM EDT

In addition to severe thunderstorms from northeastern New Jersey through Staten Island and Brooklyn, there could be rainfall rates of 1/2 inch in 10 minutes. That's 3 inches in one hour in that rate. Nickel sized hail has already been reported with these storms and numerous people have been hit by lightning in the tristate area. These are very dangerous storms. Stay indoors on the lowest floor and away from windows until the all clear is given.

Jim

[michaelwmoss]

Any news stories that you could link to about the people being struck?

I have been to Perth Ambroy before. With that type of rainfall, I am certain their drainage systems can not handle it. Probably lots of Flash Flooding in those areas.