If the escalating pollen and mold counts are not already affecting you today, the *Unplug electronic equipment - Power surges from lightning can damage computers, monitors and TVs, and cause sparks that might start a fire.National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Fairfield County and the rest of the state through 8 pm.Accuweather.com, a front colliding with hot and humid conditions will provide an ideal environment for heavy and gusty storms to develop across the region. With plenty of moisture in place, storms could dump enough rain in a short amount of time to cause flash and urban flooding.

According to

Even if storms do not prompt severe weather warnings, be sure to seek shelter as soon as thunder is heard to avoid being struck by lightning.

"Locally damaging winds and flash flooding will be the main threats, though a few places could see some small hail," AccuWeather Meteorologist Brett Rathbun said. "Sporadic power outages will be possible."

A severe thunderstorm by definition is a thunderstorm that produces one-inch hail or larger in diameter and/or winds equal or exceed 58 miles an hour.

They are normally issued well in advance of the actual occurrence of severe weather. During the watch, people should review severe thunderstorm safety rules and be prepared to move a place of safety if threatening weather approaches, the NWS website states.

Precautions include:

*If it's safe, bring in outdoor furniture and other items that could blow away. These may become a hazard.

*Stay inside a building or car that's not a convertible. Rubber tires won't protect you from lightning so avoid touching metal inside the car.

*Close windows, shutters, blinds, shades, and curtains. This will help keep out wind, rain, and broken glass.

*Make sure outside doors are securely closed. This will help keep out wind and rain.

For more information on storm preparedness, visit: 

ready.gov

Unhealthy Air

In related news, Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is forecasting unhealthy air quality "for sensitive groups" for Monday (July 18).

DEEP air quality analysts said weather patterns will create elevated ground-level ozone pollution over coastal Connecticut on Saturday.

"We are expecting air quality that will impact children, the elderly and those with respiratory disease such as asthma," said Commissioner Robert Klee.  "It is advised that those people with respiratory and other health problems limit their time outdoors and avoid prolonged strenuous activities or exercise."

A weak high pressure system moving to the southeast Monday will lead to a return flow of southwest winds with warmer temperatures. A cold front is expected to cross the State by Tuesday morning, putting an end to this round of elevated ozone levels.

Ground level or "bad" ozone primarily occurs during warm summer days. Strong sunshine causes chemical reactions of air pollutants emitted from motor vehicles, power plants, and industry and household activities, forming ozone. Warmer weather can bring high levels of

ground level ozone (O3) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5).

These two air pollutants pose serious health risks - especially to young children, the elderly, adults who are active outdoors, and people with respiratory disease.

Unhealthy concentrations of ground level ozone can cause or make worse a variety of respiratory and other health problems including breathing difficulty, coughing, and throat irritation and worsen asthma episodes. Anyone can be affected by ozone; particularly sensitive groups that include children, elderly, people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, and even healthy adults who are very active outdoors.

Peak ozone levels occur between noon and 8 pm so make sure to get  activity or exercise in before or after these times to minimize health effects, DEEP states.

When air pollution levels are predicted to be "unhealthy for sensitive groups" DEEP recommends:

*Conserving electricity by setting air conditioners to 78

^o

;

*"Wait 'til 8" to use energy intensive appliances like washing machines, dryers and dishwashers;

*Refueling your lawn mower and cutting the grass before noon;

*Driving less by carpooling, van-pooling or using public transit;

*Telecommuting if possible; and

*Refueling your vehicle after dusk and never idling a vehicle unnecessarily.

For daily air quality information, visit DEEP's

AQI webpage or call 800-249-1234.