Storm damage on Thursday

Key Points:

• Severe storms on Wednesday caused multiple tornado warnings, downed trees and power lines, flooded roads, large hail, and widespread power outages across Western New York and the Finger Lakes region.
• The National Weather Service confirmed tornadoes in Seneca, Niagara, Genesee, and Orleans counties, with ongoing damage surveys in Shelby and Byron following eyewitness reports of tornado sightings.
• Power restoration efforts are underway, with National Grid restoring power to 92% of affected customers; however, over 10,000 homes and businesses remain without power, primarily in Monroe, Seneca, and Orleans counties.
• Residents are advised to avoid downed power lines and flooded roads, and utility companies urge reporting hazards promptly; crews continue repairs in areas like Webster where significant storm damage was observed.
• Tornadoes are relatively rare but real threats in New York State, with 625 recorded since 1748; most are weak (EF0-EF1), and Monroe County averages one tornado every 19 years, with the last confirmed tornado in 2020.