Tornado Touches Down in Western New York

Officials confirm an EF-1 tornado struck the region on Tuesday, the first of 2026

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:08am

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The National Weather Service in Buffalo has confirmed that an EF-1 tornado touched down in Western New York on Tuesday, reaching wind speeds of 107 mph and remaining on the ground for 3 minutes. This marks the first confirmed tornado in New York State so far in 2026, a year that has seen an above-average number of twisters in the region.

Why it matters

Tornadoes are becoming more common in New York, with the state seeing an average of 16 per year since the 1990s, up from 8-10 previously. While most are relatively weak, the state has experienced some powerful EF-4 twisters in the past, highlighting the need for residents to remain vigilant and prepared for severe weather.

The details

The National Weather Service confirmed the tornado touched down in Western New York on Tuesday, remaining on the ground for 3 minutes and reaching peak winds of 107 mph, classifying it as an EF-1 tornado. Damage assessments are still ongoing, but no major injuries have been reported.

  • The tornado touched down on Tuesday, April 1, 2026.
  • The tornado was on the ground for 3 minutes.

The players

National Weather Service in Buffalo

The regional office of the National Weather Service that confirmed the tornado touchdown and provided details on its strength and duration.

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What’s next

Damage assessments are still ongoing, and the National Weather Service will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates.

The takeaway

This tornado serves as a reminder that severe weather events are becoming more common in New York, underscoring the importance for residents to stay prepared and heed weather warnings to ensure their safety.