Tornado Warning Issued for Ithaca and Tompkins County Today
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning and active tornado watch for Ithaca, New York, and the surrounding Tompkins County region today, June 18, 2026, as a powerful and dangerous storm system sweeps through Central New York.
The National Weather Service issued Tornado Watch 352 in effect until 3 PM EDT Thursday for Ithaca, Tompkins County, and most of Central New York, with the affected area also including Binghamton, Corning, Cortland, Elmira, Owego, Penn Yan, Syracuse, Watkins Glen, and Waverly.
Residents are urged to seek shelter immediately and remain indoors until all warnings have been lifted.
Active Tornado Warning: What the NWS Is Saying
Earlier this morning, a tornado warning was issued directly for the greater Ithaca region as radar confirmed dangerous rotating thunderstorms moving rapidly through the area.
The National Weather Service in Binghamton confirmed a tornado warning remained in effect, with a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado located over Reynoldsville, approximately eight miles north of Watkins Glen, moving east at 40 mph, with the hazard being an active tornado, radar indicating rotation, and the impact including flying debris dangerous to those caught without shelter, mobile homes at risk of destruction, and likely damage to roofs, windows, vehicles, and trees.
The storm was forecast to move near Trumansburg, Perry City, and Searsburg, and near Taughannock Falls shortly after.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Also in Effect
Alongside the tornado threat, a separate severe thunderstorm warning covered Tompkins County and neighboring areas this morning.
The National Weather Service in Binghamton issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Tompkins County, with severe thunderstorms located along a line moving east at 35 mph, carrying 60 mph wind gusts and penny-size hail, with expected damage to roofs, siding, and trees, impacting Ithaca, Newfield, Hector, Cayuga Heights, Lansing, Enfield, Danby, and Groton.
Why This Storm System Is So Dangerous
The NWS described the cause as an unusually strong low-pressure system for June passing just north of the region, producing gusty winds of 30 to 40 mph alongside the severe thunderstorm and tornado threat.
The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center placed Ithaca and Central New York under a slight risk of severe thunderstorms today, with severe weather expected this afternoon through tonight from the southern Plains into the Midwest, including large hail, several tornadoes, and swaths of severe damaging gusts.
Key dangers associated with today’s storm system include:
- Active tornado threat with radar-confirmed rotation
- Wind gusts up to 60 mph causing structural and tree damage
- Flying debris posing serious risk to anyone caught outdoors
- Penny-size hail impacting vehicles and property
- Flash flooding possible in low-lying areas
What Ithaca Residents Must Do Right Now
New York State Office of Emergency Management urged all residents that a tornado watch means weather conditions could lead to severe storms and tornadoes, advising everyone to prepare now by knowing their safe location — ideally a basement or interior room — and to remain alert for a possible tornado, since tornadoes can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms.
Immediate safety steps include:
- Move immediately to a basement or lowest interior room of a sturdy building
- Stay away from windows, doors, and exterior walls
- Do not attempt to drive through storms or flooded roads
- Keep a battery-powered weather radio for continuous updates
- Do not go outside until the NWS officially lifts all warnings
Ongoing Watches and Warnings
The tornado watch remains in effect until 3 PM EDT Thursday for 15 counties across Central New York, including Tompkins County where Ithaca is located. Residents should monitor all official NWS updates closely throughout the afternoon as additional warnings may be issued as the storm system progresses eastward.
Conclusion
Today’s tornado warning and watch represent a serious and immediate threat to Ithaca and all of Central New York. Residents must take shelter now, stay informed through official channels, and avoid all unnecessary travel until the NWS confirms the threat has passed.
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