National Weather Service Issues Tornado Warning for Rochester and Nearby Areas
The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a tornado warning for parts of Monroe, Livingston, Genesee, and Orleans counties, including Rochester, until 3:15 p.m. on July 18, 2026. A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was detected near Byron, northeast of Batavia, moving east at approximately 35 mph. The storm also poses a threat of quarter-size hail. Communities under the warning include Rochester, Chili, Le Roy, Byron, Caledonia, Scottsville, Churchville, Riga, Bergen, and Elba. The warning extends to a section of the New York State Thruway near Exit 47. Residents are advised to seek immediate shelter in a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, avoiding windows. Those in vehicles or mobile homes should move to a substantial shelter if possible. The Weather Service warns of potential damage to mobile homes, roofs, windows, vehicles, and trees, and highlights the danger of flying debris to those caught outdoors.