New York averages 10 tornadoes per year. Despite being far from tornado alleys, the Empire State experiences occasional significant events. The 1998 East Fishkill F3 and 2018 Central New York outbreak show that tornadoes can and do strike New York.
Struck East Fishkill area. Significant NY event.
Multiple tornadoes across Central and Western NY. EF3 in Newburgh area.
Southern Tier NY event. Recent significant tornado.
New York sits in transitional weather patterns. Cold fronts, warm air masses can produce severe weather.
Great Lakes influence weather but generally reduce tornado activity.
Summer heating produces convective storms.
Higher tornado density in Southern Tier region.
Buffalo area. Occasional significant events.
Syracuse, Utica. Historical events.
Occasional events. Terrain reduces frequency.
Ocean effect reduces tornadoes.