National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Western New York Weather History

 

JUNE 7

 

 

1980

Thunderstorms caused downed trees and power lines as well as street flooding all across western New York. A wind gust of 79 mph was observed at greater Buffalo International Airport. Golf ball sized hail was reported north and east of the city. The storm hit the airport area and about 1,000 Niagara Mohawk customers and 65 New York state electric and gas customers were affected by downed power lines. A rare flash of St. Elmo's fire knocked out the Weather Service's radar and telephone lines for about 10 minutes as the storm passed. Air controllers at the Buffalo Airport said the control tower received a direct lightning strike that blackened out the air control computer for a short period.