'Urgent Weather Alert' for Port Washington and Manhasset

, a mass notification system, issued an urgent weather alert at 2:40 p.m. Thursday. 

The alert, put through by the Port Washington-Manhasset Office of Emergency Management, stated:

"The National Weather Service has predicted a heavy line of storms to hit the Port Washington-Manhasset peninsula later today beginning around 5 p.m. The storm is expected to last 1 to 2 hrs.

While we don't normally send weather alerts, we have been advised that there is a 2% to 5% chance of a tornado touching down.

In addition to scattered thunderstorms, 1"-2" of rain, and frequent lightning, wind gusts to 65mph are expected.

Loose objects outside should be secured.

Because of hail, heavy rain, and frequent lightning, during the peak of the storm extreme caution when driving is urged and extreme care if you must be outside.

While a tornado or a micro-burst touching down is unlikely, there is always that risk as happened in Great Neck in the past couple of years."

To sign up for notifications, visit NorthShoreAlert's website.