Report Warns of Increasing Tornadoes In NY

Albany, NY —A state legislator says federal data shows tornadoes have increased across New York over the past 60 years and he’s calling for a better system to warn people to take shelter from the high-speed winds. Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, a Bronx Democrat and member of the Committee on Environmental Conservation, says 47 tornadoes were recorded from 1950 to 1970 statewide. The frequency rose through the next four decades and there were 144 over the past 15 years.

The report acknowledged New York’s history with tornadoes is much less severe than other states, but said New Yorkers appear to be increasingly facing severe weather, which also includes torrential rains, high winds, flooding and even hurricanes.

Crespo has sponsored legislation to require the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services to recommend tornado warning systems, including possible installation of municipal tornado sirens, whether they should be located near schools and hospitals and whether firehouse sirens could be used.

The report says 407 tornadoes since 1950 have injured 248 people. Most occurred from May to September. Crespo said New Yorkers increasingly face severe weather and need to prepare.