First Tornado of 2026 Confirmed in New York

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

Apr. 5, 2026 at 11:00am

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The National Weather Service has confirmed the first tornado of the year in New York, an EF-1 twister that touched down in Cattaraugus County on March 31 and carved a 1.4-mile path of destruction before dissipating. The storm rolled off Lake Erie, bringing large hail and high winds to the region before spawning the short-lived but powerful tornado.

Why it matters

Tornado season is starting earlier than usual in New York, which has seen an increase in the frequency and intensity of twisters in recent years, raising concerns about the growing impact of extreme weather events on local communities.

The details

The tornado first touched down just west of Maple Valley Road, snapping and uprooting numerous trees near a few homes. The 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. Some trees even fell against the storm's direction of travel.

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

The players

National Weather Service

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

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What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on any additional severe weather in the region.

The takeaway

This early tornado is a reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in New York, underscoring the need for communities to be prepared and resilient in the face of a changing climate.