Weather History for February 27

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Western New York Weather History

FEBRUARY 27

1985

Sustained mild temperatures from February 21st through the 24th melted a 3-foot deep snowpack that contained from 3 to 5 inches of water. Rainfall of up to 1.5 inches during the period worsened the flood that followed. The areas that suffered most were Amherst, Clarence, and south Buffalo in Erie county; Sunset Bay in Chautauqua county; and Batavia in Genesee county. Tonawanda and Ellicott creeks crested at their highest stages since march 1960. The flood along Ellicott creek caused massive evacuation. Numerous basements and first floors of homes were inundated. The red cross set up shelters at Getzville Fire Company and Hutchinson Hose. In the town of Bowmansville a State of Emergency was declared and over 500 residents were evacuated in Amherst. Tonawanda creek ravaged Batavia in Genesee county, and Clarence and northeast Amherst in Erie county. Ice jams along Cazenovia, Buffalo and Cayuga creeks in Erie county also caused residential and road flooding. Hundreds of persons living nearby were evacuated from their homes. A preliminary estimate of the damage caused by this flood amounted to 13 million dollars. The following streams reached flood stages: Buffalo creek at Getzville (Flood Stage 7 feet) crest 7.8 feet; Cayuga creek at Lancaster (Flood Stage) crest 9.3 feet; Cazenovia creek at Ebenezer (Flood Stage 11 feet) crest 11.2 feet; Ellicott creek at Williamsville (Flood Stage 8 feet) crest 11.2 feet; Tonawanda creek at Batavia (Flood Stage 9.2 feet) crest 12.5 feet.

1991

A brisk westerly flow of arctic air produced a band of lake effect snow off Lake Ontario. A report of 8" of snow was received from Oswego before the band shifted across Northern Oswego county.

1997

Deep low pressure moved from Indiana to Ontario bringing high winds to the area. The strong winds downed trees and telephone and power lines. Power outages were reported throughout the area. Several cities and towns declared States of Emergency because of the prolonged lack of power. Windows were blown out of buildings. The strong winds caused structure damage in some locations tearing off roofs and sidings and collapsing walls. Homes and autos were damaged by falling limbs. Air travel at the Buffalo airport was disrupted and several flights were rerouted. An electric lineman was injured in Perinton, Monroe County, when he was knocked from a pole by a falling tree. In Grand Island, Erie County, three people suffered cuts from flying glass when a plate glass window was blown in at an ice cream shop. In Lockport, Niagara County, two teenage boys were injured when they were struck by a falling tree. Tractor trailers were blown over in Batavia, Brighton, Grand Island and Darien. The drivers of those trucks suffered minor injuries. Specific gusts reported included: 70 knots at Niagara Falls, 65 knots at Rochester, and 50 knots at Batavia.