On Wednesday, Governor Andrew Cuomo offered the following precautionary measures as potentially severe weather is expected to sweep across the state this afternoon and evening:

• Tie down or bring inside lawn furniture, trash cans, tools and hanging plants that could be projectiles during the storm.

• If you have a basement, check sump pumps to ensure they are operating and be prepared to use a backup system.

• Have a standby generator or alternative source of power available.

• Check on neighbors, especially the elderly and disabled.

As the storm approaches:

• Stay inside, away from windows and glass doors.

• Charge your cellphones and important electronic devices.

• Stay off roads. If you are traveling, find safe shelter immediately.

If you must travel:

• Do not attempt to drive over flooded roads – turn around and go another way. Water moving at two miles per hour can sweep cars off a road or bridge.

• Watch for areas where rivers or streams may suddenly rise and flood, such as highway dips, bridges, and low areas.

• If you are in your car and water begins to rise rapidly around you, abandon the vehicle immediately.

If you are at home or at work:

• Stay at home unless you have been ordered to leave.

• Turn refrigerator to maximum cold and open only when necessary.

• Turn off utilities if told to do so by authorities.

• Turn off propane tanks and unplug major appliances.

• Fill large containers with water.

If winds become strong:

• Stay away from windows and doors even if they are covered and close all interior doors. Secure and brace external doors.

• If you are in a two or multiple-story house, go to an interior lower-floor room.

• Remain indoors during a severe thunder storm. If warned of a tornado, go to a basement or other low area in your home or business or in a room with no windows.

If you lose electrical service:

• Call your utility first to determine area repair schedules. Turn off or unplug lights and appliances to prevent a circuit overload when service is restored. Leave one light on to indicate power has been restored.

• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to help reduce food spoilage. If you have space in your refrigerator or freezer, fill plastic containers with water, leaving an inch of space inside each one. This will help keep food cold.