On the afternoon of May 13, 2026, residents across western New York found themselves bracing for a powerful bout of severe weather as the National Weather Service (NWS) in Buffalo issued urgent warnings about thunderstorms sweeping through the region. By midafternoon, communities in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Livingston, and Wyoming counties were under a severe thunderstorm warning, with meteorologists cautioning that the storms could bring damaging winds, hail, and even the possibility of tornadoes.
According to the NWS, the most intense thunderstorms were expected to deliver wind gusts reaching up to 60 miles per hour and penny-sized hail as the system moved east at approximately 30 mph. At 2:10 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was tracked over Rushford, about 21 miles north of Olean, heading eastward. The warning, issued at 2:11 p.m. and in effect until 3:15 p.m., covered a broad swath of western New York, including the towns of Dansville, Belfast, Rushford, Houghton, Nunda, Portageville, Caneadea, Eagle, and Pike. The area surrounding Letchworth State Park and a stretch of Interstate 390 between exits 4 and 5 were also highlighted as being at risk.
The NWS did not mince words in its alert, stating, "Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees." The agency also emphasized the rapid and unpredictable nature of such storms, warning that tornadoes could develop with little notice. "Remain alert for a possible tornado! Tornadoes can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms. If you spot a tornado, go at once into the basement or a small central room in a sturdy structure. For your protection, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building," the NWS advised, according to reporting from local outlets.
Residents in the affected counties were urged to remain inside and away from windows, as the storms threatened not only with high winds and hail but also with frequent lightning and brief, heavy downpours. The potential impacts of these storms were serious: meteorologists warned of the risk of trees and power lines being brought down, as well as possible damage to roofs and siding. In addition, the storms could create hazardous driving conditions, particularly along the busy corridor of Interstate 390.
Frequent lightning, a hallmark of these severe thunderstorms, posed an additional threat. Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with most incidents occurring during the summer months, according to the NWS. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 people annually. As the storm system advanced, the NWS stressed that lightning danger peaks when a storm is directly overhead but can still linger after the worst of the weather appears to have moved on.
To help residents prepare and stay safe, the NWS and local authorities offered detailed recommendations. If thunder is heard, it is crucial to move indoors immediately—lightning can strike even if the sky seems clear. Once inside, people were advised to avoid using corded phones, electrical appliances, and plumbing fixtures, and to steer clear of windows and doors. Lightning can travel along conductive pathways, making these precautions vital for reducing the risk of injury from electrical surges. The NWS also reminded everyone to wait at least 30 minutes after the last lightning strike or thunderclap before resuming outdoor activities, since lightning can strike even after a storm seems to have passed.
For those caught outside without access to shelter, the advice was clear: avoid open fields, hilltops, and ridge crests, as these locations increase exposure to lightning. Tall, isolated trees and prominent objects should also be avoided, and in forested areas, it is safer to remain close to lower stands of trees. If in a group, individuals should spread out to minimize the risk of lightning current transferring between people. The NWS strongly discouraged camping in open settings during thunderstorms, noting that tents offer no protection against lightning. Water bodies, wet objects, and metal items also pose significant risks, as they are excellent conductors of electricity.
Driving during these storms presented its own set of challenges. Heavy rainfall, a common companion to severe thunderstorms, can quickly lead to flooding, particularly if the ground is already saturated or if rain falls intensely over a short period. The NWS urged drivers to avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, as swiftly moving water can be deceptively dangerous. On the roads, motorists were encouraged to use the two-second rule to maintain a safe following distance, and to allow for extra space in heavy rain. Reducing speed and driving cautiously were strongly recommended, as sudden braking can lead to skidding on slick surfaces.
Visibility can be severely reduced during heavy rain, so drivers were told to use headlights and be mindful of other vehicles, especially those in blind spots. The NWS highlighted that the first half hour after rain begins is often the most treacherous, as grime and oil on the road mix with water to create slippery conditions. Large vehicles like trucks and buses can kick up significant spray, further reducing visibility; drivers were advised to keep a safe distance and to pass these vehicles only with great caution.
When visibility becomes severely impaired, the safest option is to pull over and wait for conditions to improve. The NWS recommended seeking refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots, but if the roadside is the only option, drivers should pull off as far as possible, ideally past the end of a guard rail. Headlights and emergency flashers should be kept on to alert other drivers to the vehicle’s position.
As the storms swept through Allegany, Cattaraugus, Livingston, and Wyoming counties, residents and travelers alike were reminded of the importance of vigilance and preparation. The NWS’s repeated warnings underscored that tornadoes can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms, and that everyone should remain alert for rapidly changing weather conditions. The agency’s advice was simple but critical: "Lightning is one of nature's leading killers. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning."
While the severe weather posed real risks, the coordinated response from meteorologists and local authorities helped ensure that residents had the information and guidance they needed to stay safe. For many in western New York, it was a day to take the weather seriously—proof that preparedness and timely warnings can make all the difference when storms roll in.