Severe Weather Awareness Week in New York runs from April 19 through April 25, 2026.
It is a good reminder to take a few simple steps now to prepare for the kinds of weather that can cause the biggest disruptions across the state, including severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and flash flooding.
For families in the Rochester area, this is a good time to check the basics. Spring and summer weather can change quickly, and dangerous conditions do not always leave much time to react. A little preparation now can make it easier to stay safe, protect your home, and avoid scrambling when weather alerts come through.
Severe weather in New York is not rare. Over the last 20 years, it has killed more than 100 people statewide and caused billions of dollars in damage. On average, New York sees around 400 severe thunderstorm warnings, 17 tornado warnings, and 150 flash flood warnings each year.
A severe thunderstorm is generally defined as one that can produce winds of 58 mph or higher, hail at least 1 inch in diameter, or a tornado. New York also averages about six tornadoes each year, and flooding remains one of the most serious weather threats across the state.
What counts as severe weather?
A severe thunderstorm is one that produces winds of 58 mph or higher, hail at least 1 inch in diameter, or a tornado.
A watch means conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop.
A warning means dangerous weather is happening or about to happen, and you need to act right away.
Tornadoes can and do happen in New York. The National Weather Service says the state averages about six tornadoes per year. Flooding is also one of the most serious weather threats New Yorkers face, and flash flooding can develop fast, especially after heavy rain.
5 things Rochester residents should do this week
1. Sign up for emergency alerts
Make sure your household can receive warnings quickly. Monroe County residents can sign up for MonroeAlert, and New York residents can also use NY-Alert for emergency notifications.
2. Know where you would go during a warning
If a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning is issued, move into a sturdy building and head to an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows. Basements offer the best protection when available. Mobile homes do not provide reliable protection in tornadoes and should be evacuated for a safer shelter if time allows.
The goal is to know your spot before you need it.
3. Keep a backup way to get weather information
Phones are helpful, but they should not be your only source of alerts. In the Rochester area, NOAA Weather Radio is available on 162.400 MHz, which can be especially useful at night or during a power outage.
4. Take flood risk seriously
Flooding is one of the most dangerous weather hazards in New York.
If water is covering the road, do not drive through it. Water can be deeper and moving faster than it looks, and it may be hiding damage beneath the surface.
Floodwater can rise fast, hide damage underneath, and sweep away a vehicle much more easily than many people realize. If flooding threatens your area, move to higher ground right away.
5. Check your basic supplies and family plan
This is a good week to make sure you have flashlights, fresh batteries, a charged power bank, medications, sturdy shoes, and a simple household emergency plan.
If your family members are often in different places during the day, make sure everyone knows how to check in and where to go if severe weather hits.
Want to learn more ways to get prepared? Take the Citizen Preparedness Corps class on April 23rd.
Register today for the upcoming Citizen Preparedness Corps class hosted by the Department of Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services:
Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: Foodlink Farm, 585 Lexington Ave, Rochester, NY 14613
Can’t make this training? Take a look at their full calendar here.
A reminder from Ready Rochester
Preparedness does not have to look extreme to be effective. For most households, it starts with staying informed, having a safe place to go, and keeping a few essentials ready before the weather turns. Severe Weather Awareness Week is a good time to take those small steps now, while the sky is still clear.
Share this with a neighbor, check in with a family member, and take a few minutes this week to make sure your household is a little more ready for whatever spring and summer bring.