BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The National Weather Service Buffalo has confirmed an EF-1 tornado with an estimated peak wind of 90 mph touched down in Buffalo on Monday.
According to the NWS, the tornado began at the shore of the Niagara River near the south end of LaSalle Park and the I-190/Niagara Street interchange at 12:45 p.m. and ended at 12:51 p.m. The path length was 1.4 miles and the path width was 300 yards.
There are reports of damaged buildings and trees and power poles down. No injuries have been reported at this time.
In its Public Information Statement, the NWS said "significant roofing material" from a structure in the area of Niagara and Carolina Streets "was deposited two blocks away on Whitney Place." The damage continued across Prospect Avenue, Whitney Place, Johnson Park, Delaware Avenue and East Tupper Street. The final damage was near the intersection of Tupper Street and Oak Street.
In the video player above you can see several videos of the tornado that were sent to 7 News.
Below, you can watch our report from Monday evening after the NWS confirmed the tornado touched down.
As the cleanup got underway, we were out in the community and heard from residents who were impacted by the tornado.
Below you can hear from the residents who spoke to 7 News senior reporter Eileen Buckley in the area of Niagara and 7th Streets.
Outside of the City Mission, one car was flipped and others were damaged after the tornado touched down.
"I was in my office and we heard a bunch of noise on the roof and then next thing I know folks are shouting about how a car flipped over — I go to the window and it's mine," said Dan Worral.
Neighbors near Johnson Park described what they witnessed as the tornado hit.
"I saw a roof in the air, wasn't sure what was happening, and saw a bunch of other debris," said Hunter Capps.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul said she has been in contact with Poloncarz and Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown. She said NYS emergency management personnel is in close contact and is ready to support with any resources.
This is not the first tornado in Western New York this summer. On July 10, four tornadoes touched down. They ranged between EF-0 and EF-2 and touched down in Arkwright, Eden, Darien and Aurora/West Falls.
According to the State Weather Risk Communication Center, New York has broken its record for the most confirmed tornadoes in one year, with 26 tornadoes.
With the now-confirmed tornado in Buffalo this afternoon, New York has officially broken its record for the most confirmed tornadoes in one year, at 26 tornadoes. pic.twitter.com/n8WaVU0Xjo
— NYSWRCC (@NYSWRCC) August 5, 2024
