WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 7-18-22

18 year old Payton Gendron of Conklin was arraigned today on a federal indictment, for the May 14th Mass Shooting at a Buffalo Tops Supermarket that killed 10 & wounded 3 others. Gendron was arraigned on a 27-count indictment which was handed up last week, he could face the federal death penalty for the shooting. Gendron also faces a state charges in addition to the federal indictment.

The National Weather Service announced that they are changing the way severe weather alerts will be issued for thunderstorms. Starting July 28th, the National Weather Service will be issuing wireless emergency alerts. Cell phones in the warning zone will be alerted to the danger, typically, a white box with plain text will show up on your phone, and the NOAA logo will appear at the bottom of the screen.

Severe Weather Awareness Week in New York State is being observed through May 3rd, in support of a national effort to strengthen preparation for the potential of emergencies caused by extreme weather events. New Yorkers should prepare to take appropriate steps before a severe weather event. There are three basic steps to preparedness, make a plan, prepare a kit with supplies and be informed.  For more information on personal preparedness in advance of severe weather, visit dhses.ny.gov (http://www.dhses.ny.gov/aware-prepare).  For more information on Severe Weather Awareness Week, including daily public information statements, visit nws.noaa.gov.

Congressman Richard Hanna urged the National weather Service to work to utilize funds to keep stream gages on in New York State, particularly in the Southern Tier. The US Geological Survey has identified 14 gauges that are in jeopardy of shutting down operations on November 1st. In a letter sent to the  NOAA, Hanna joined with New York’s senators and Members of Congress to request that the gages continue to operate.

Today through Saturday is Winter Weather Awareness Week in New York. The yearly campaign aims to make people aware of the hazards winter weather can pose. It also strives to educate people on how to stay safe during the winter months. more information is available at noaa.gov.

18 stream gauges and 16 rain gauges are scheduled to be deactivated on March 1st, unless Congress approves $215,000 to keep them in operation for another year. US Senator Chuck Schumer is once again urging NOAA to provide the necessary funding for the gauges from the $25 million dollars the agency received after Hurricane Sandy.