Dangerous Heat Persists in Tri-State Area as Threats of Storms, Tornadoes, Floods Loom In

After a brutal and dangerous heat wave that saw New Jersey's largest city reach 100 degrees for five straight days-the longest such streak on record-severe storms once more threaten the tri-state region on Monday.

According to city officials, one person in New York City passed away over the weekend due to heat exposure. The individual also had a few underlying medical issues. According to officials, this death is the first one in the area that has been linked to the dangerous heat inthe tri-state area.

In the early to mid-afternoon hours of Monday, storms are anticipated to begin as a slow-moving cold front moves in to end the miserable heat wave. Even into the evening, there is still a serious threat. At this time, damaging winds are the main threat, but other potential hazards include flash floods, large hail, and one or two isolated tornadoes.

Threats: Storm, Tornado, Flood

The I-95 urban corridor and the Lower Hudson Valley's quick-moving small rivers and streams have the highest risk of flash flooding. Additionally, there is a significant risk of rip currents on area beaches on Monday, so swimmers who want to cool off in the water are urged to take extra care.

The heat wave, which reached 102 degrees Sunday in Newark, New Jersey, ends on Monday. It was the city's longest streak of consecutive days with a high of 100 or more ever recorded. Typically, Newark only experiences one day per year with temperatures above 100 degrees.

The city experienced its first official heat wave of the summer during the previous week, with Thursday marking the third consecutive day that the city saw temperatures of 90 degrees or higher. Heat advisories are still in effect for the majority of the tri-state area on Monday. It has been a hotter and more prolonged heat wave, NBC New York reports.

Possibility of Power Outages

Con-Ed opened its emergency response center to handle the increased demand to monitor any potential outages in networks that might have occurred in networks under a lot of stress during the heat wave. The utility is requesting that New Yorkers use dishwashers and laundry early in the mornings and evenings rather than during peak hours and to turn off the air conditioning in unused rooms.

A Con Edison spokesperson said that if people do lose power, the company can respond to those outages and restore power as quickly and safely as possible.

The utility company also offered tips on how to save energy, such as the recommendation that A/C units be set to 78 degrees. Make sure cooling systems are turned on no later than 30 minutes before you plan to return home. When nobody is home, the A/C shouldn't be used. Unplug any unused devices and dim the interior lighting.

To safeguard themselves and those they care about, New Yorkers should become familiar with the causes, signs, and symptoms of heat-related illness. A quick pulse, shallow breathing, a body temperature of more than 105 degrees, confusion, loss of consciousness, or all three of these are signs of heat stroke.