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Tornado Warning: Rochester Area Under Threat
19 Jul
Summary
- Tornado warning issued for Monroe, Livingston, Genesee, Orleans counties.
- Severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado moving east.
- Residents urged to take immediate shelter in basements or interior rooms.
A tornado warning was issued for portions of Monroe, Livingston, Genesee, and Orleans counties in western New York, effective until 3:15 p.m. on Saturday, July 20, 2026. The National Weather Service reported a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Byron, moving east at about 35 mph. This storm also posed a threat of quarter-size hail.
The warning encompassed communities including Rochester, Chili, Le Roy, Byron, Caledonia, Scottsville, Churchville, Riga, Bergen, and Elba, along with a section of the New York State Thruway near Exit 47. Officials cautioned that flying debris could endanger those outdoors, with potential damage to mobile homes, roofs, windows, vehicles, and trees.
Residents within the affected areas were urged to take immediate shelter. Recommended safety measures included moving to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, staying away from windows, and for those in vehicles or mobile homes, to seek substantial shelter if possible. The warning was set to expire at 3:15 p.m. on Saturday, July 20, 2026.
