Erin Strengthens to a Hurricane; Heavy Rainfall Possible in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, the Upper Midwest, South Texas

Hurricane Erin may bring isolated flash and urban flooding, landslides or mudslides, and possible tropical storm conditions to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands this weekend. Scattered thunderstorms and heavy rainfall may bring areas of flooding this weekend over the Upper Midwest. A tropical disturbance will bring locally heavy rain and mainly urban flash flooding to far southern Texas. Read More >

Western New York Weather History

APRIL 30

1984

Strong winds caused extensive damage throughout western New York. Wind speeds at Buffalo averaged just under 30 mph (29.7 mph) for the day with a peak gust of 72 mph at 6:01pm EDT. Buffalo police reported at least 500 wind-related calls, including reports of downed power lines and trees. Power failures were widespread with an estimated 25,000 homes and businesses without power. In Amherst, the wind left an overhead sign dangling over the eastbound lanes of the Youngman Expressway at the Lockport interchange, halting eastbound traffic from 5:15 to 8:15pm. The wind gusts blew in a stained glass window, measuring seven feet in diameter, in the tower of St. Mary's Church in Niagara Falls. The wind was blamed for a one hour power failure at Lafayette General Hospital. An emergency power generator maintained power in the operating rooms and critical care areas. In western New York, Maryvale Senior High, Sweet Home High, Lasalle High, and the 66th street school in Niagara Falls were closed because of roof damage during the storm. At the Hamburg Airdrome, two hangers collapsed destroying one plane stored there. A barn collapsed in Perry, New York about 5pm injuring one man. Other property damage around the area included toppled signs, ripped off siding, uprooted garden sheds, broken windows, and collapsed barns. A High Wind Warning was issued by the National Weather Service at 4:30am for the afternoon and evening hours.