Tornadoes in Western New York: A Guide to Staying Safe

What is a Tornado?

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm cloud to the ground. Tornadoes can cause severe damage and even death, so it's important to be aware of the risks and know what to do if you're caught in a tornado.

What Causes Tornadoes?

Tornadoes are caused by the interaction of warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico with cold, dry air from Canada. When these two air masses meet, they create a thunderstorm. If the conditions are right, the thunderstorm can produce a tornado.

What are the Different Types of Tornadoes?

There are many different types of tornadoes, but the most common type is the weak tornado. Weak tornadoes have wind speeds of up to 110 miles per hour and can cause damage to trees, power lines, and buildings. Strong tornadoes have wind speeds of up to 158 miles per hour and can cause widespread damage, including the destruction of homes and businesses.

How to Stay Safe from Tornadoes

What to Do Before a Tornado

The best way to stay safe from tornadoes is to be prepared. Here are a few things you can do before a tornado strikes:

• Make an emergency plan and know where you will go if a tornado warning is issued. It’s best to choose a sturdy building or location below ground like a basement.
• Stay informed about the weather forecast. If a tornado watch is issued for your area, be prepared to take shelter.
• Secure loose objects around your home, such as lawn furniture and trash cans.

What to Do During a Tornado

If you are caught in a tornado, it is important to stay calm and follow these steps:

• Take cover in a sturdy building or location below ground like a basement. If you are unable to get to a building, lie down in a ditch or low-lying area and cover your head with your hands.
• Stay away from windows and doors. If you are in a vehicle, get out and seek shelter in a building or underground.
• Do not try to outrun a tornado. Tornadoes can move very quickly, so it is important to stay in a safe place until the storm passes.

What to Do After a Tornado

Once the tornado has passed, it is important to assess the damage and take steps to recover.

• Check yourself and others for injuries and seek medical attention if necessary.
• Stay away from damaged areas. There may be downed power lines and other hazards that could cause injury.
• Contact your insurance company to report the damage.

Tornadoes in Western New York

History of Tornadoes in Western New York

Tornadoes are relatively rare in Western New York, but they do occur. The most recent tornado to hit Western New York was an EF2 tornado that struck the town of Alden in 2019. The tornado caused widespread damage to homes and businesses, but there were no reported injuries.

Tornado Safety in Western New York

If you live in Western New York, it is important to be aware of the risk of tornadoes and know what to do if a tornado warning is issued. The best way to stay safe from tornadoes is to be prepared. Make an emergency plan, stay informed about the weather forecast, and secure loose objects around your home.