Watch: Downtown Buffalo hit by suspected tornado
A video captured the moment a possible tornado swept through downtown Buffalo, New York, damaging buildings and sweeping away debris.
A tornado hit Buffalo, New York on Monday, breaking the state’s record for most confirmed tornadoes in a single year, according to meteorologists.
The EF-1 tornado struck the west side of downtown Buffalo between 12:45 p.m. and 12:51 p.m. with winds of 90 mph, according to the National Weather Service. The damage path was a maximum of 300 yards wide, six times the average width of 50 yards.
The tornado caused significant damage to buildings as it swept through downtown before its existence was confirmed, with video showing debris flying through the area.
According to an X-post, there were reports of several damaged buildings and traffic lights without power from Buffalo Police and Fire Departments. No injuries were reported, but police are asking the public to avoid the area.
National Grid reported more than 800 customers in the region without power.
Governor Kathy Hochul said the state is ready to provide funds
New York Governor Kathy Hochul said on X that she had spoken with Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz about the extreme weather.
“Fortunately, we have no reports of injuries at this time. State disaster management personnel are in close contact with local partners and are ready to provide assistance in any way possible,” Hochul wrote on X.
The governor also warned New Yorkers that Tropical Storm Debby, which was downgraded from hurricane status on Monday, could hit some parts of the state later this week. The storm has killed at least four people as it wreaked havoc along Florida’s Big Bend coast.
New York breaks record for most tornadoes in a single year
The Buffalo tornado follows four others that touched down in western New York State last month. The EF-0 and EF-2 tornadoes touched down in Eden, Arkwright, Aurora and West Falls on July 10.
“Once again, we are very fortunate that there were no serious injuries from this tornado, as was the case with the tornadoes in Eden and West Falls last month,” Poloncarz wrote on X on Monday.
New York has already had 26 confirmed tornadoes in 2024, a national record, the State Weather Risk Communication Center reported.
This year surpassed 1992, when 25 tornadoes were confirmed, as well as 1998 and 2011, when there were 23 each, according to the center’s data.
Contributor: Emily Barnes, USA TODAY Network New York State Team
