Severe Storms Sweep Through Western New York

Multiple rounds of thunderstorms expected through Thursday, with potential for damaging winds

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:12am

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A dramatic landscape painting in the style of Caspar David Friedrich, depicting a vast, stormy sky filled with swirling, ominous clouds that dwarf a small, isolated structure in the foreground, conveying a sense of the overwhelming power of nature.The approaching storm system serves as a powerful reminder of the region's vulnerability to extreme weather events.Buffalo Today

The Buffalo-Niagara region is bracing for several rounds of potentially severe thunderstorms over the next couple of days, with forecasters warning of the possibility of damaging wind gusts, especially south of Buffalo later this afternoon and evening. The stormy pattern is expected to continue through Thursday, with some drier weather expected on Friday before another round of showers arrives on Saturday.

Why it matters

Severe weather events can pose significant risks to public safety, infrastructure, and property in the region. Residents need to be prepared to take shelter and heed any warnings or advisories issued by local authorities.

The details

According to the National Weather Service, numerous rounds of showers and thunderstorms will cross the region today through the end of the week, with a few storms potentially becoming severe. The best chance for severe weather, including the possibility of isolated damaging wind gusts, is expected later this afternoon and evening, especially south of the New York State Thruway. Winds may reach 40 to 50 mph at times. The stormy pattern is forecast to continue on Thursday, with a brief drier period on Friday before another round of showers arrives on Saturday.

  • Severe thunderstorms expected later this afternoon and evening, especially south of Buffalo.
  • Another round of showers and storms forecast for Thursday.
  • Drier weather expected on Friday, before more showers arrive on Saturday.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing weather-related warnings and advisories.

Jon Hitchcock

A meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Buffalo office.

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What they’re saying

“There will be another round of showers and storms moving in later this afternoon and this evening. That actually is the best chance for severe weather later today, so later this afternoon and this evening, especially south of Buffalo, there could be some isolated, damaging wind gusts, especially late afternoon and early evening.”

— Jon Hitchcock, Meteorologist, National Weather Service

What’s next

Residents should monitor local weather forecasts and be prepared to take shelter if severe thunderstorm warnings are issued for their area.

The takeaway

The Buffalo-Niagara region is facing the threat of multiple rounds of potentially severe thunderstorms over the next couple of days, underscoring the importance of being weather-aware and ready to respond to any dangerous conditions that may develop.