Western New York faces power outages and tornado surveys after severe storm

Key points

• The National Weather Service is surveying damage in Shelby, Orleans County, and Byron, Genesee County, to confirm reported tornadoes.
• Over 10,000 homes and businesses remained without power on Thursday morning, with peak outages exceeding 38,000 customers across the region.
• Tornado warnings were issued for six counties, including Monroe, Genesee, Orleans, Steuben, Seneca, and Livingston.
• The Waterloo Central School District closed on Thursday due to power outages, despite the first day of school not being until September 8.
• Strong wind gusts of up to 59 mph were recorded in Wellsville, Allegany County.

Background

This event follows a pattern of severe weather in the Northeast, including a severe weather and flash-flood threat forecast for the Northeast in late August and damaging winds in the Midwest in early September. The region has a history of tornadoes, with 625 recorded since 1748, though most are weak EF0 or EF1 events.

How outlets are covering it

WHEC.com emphasizes the immediate impact on power outages and the NWS survey, while the Democrat and Chronicle focuses on the NWS survey and the potential for tornadoes. The Buffalo News article is largely inaccessible due to a login wall, but its title suggests a focus on the tornado watch. All sources agree on the severity of the storms and the widespread power outages, but differ in their emphasis on the tornado confirmation process.

Why it matters

The potential for tornadoes and widespread power outages highlights the vulnerability of Western New York to severe weather, even in a region with a lower tornado frequency compared to the Midwest. The NWS survey will provide crucial data for future weather forecasting and emergency preparedness.

What to watch

The NWS will continue its survey of storm damage, potentially expanding to other areas with reported damage. Utility crews will continue to work to restore power to affected customers, and residents are advised to stay away from downed wires and report hazards.