First Tornado of 2026 Confirmed in Western New York

The National Weather Service reported an EF-1 tornado touched down in Cattaraugus County.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 8:52am

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The National Weather Service has confirmed that the first tornado of 2026 touched down in Cattaraugus County in Western New York on March 31. The EF-1 tornado had estimated peak winds of 107 mph and carved a 1.4-mile path before dissipating. The storm rolled off Lake Erie and caused damage to homes and trees in the area.

Why it matters

New York has seen an increasing number of tornadoes in recent years, with 2024 setting a record of 32 confirmed twisters. This early season tornado is a reminder that severe weather can strike at any time and the importance of being prepared for extreme weather events.

The details

The tornado formed southeast of the town of Machias and was on the ground for about 3 minutes. It first touched down just west of Maple Valley Road, snapping and uprooting numerous trees near homes. The tornado's path became more defined as it moved into the valley and creek bed between Maple Valley Road and Ashford Road, leaving a mix of snapped trees in a generally convergent pattern.

  • The tornado touched down at 3:43 PM on March 31, 2026.
  • The tornado was on the ground for about 3 minutes.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing severe weather alerts.

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What’s next

Weather experts will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on any additional severe weather that may develop in the region.

The takeaway

This early season tornado serves as a reminder for New Yorkers to stay vigilant and prepared for the possibility of severe storms and extreme weather events, which have become more frequent in recent years.