JUNE 9

1966 

A rash of thunderstorms crossed the area accompanied by scattered hail, wind squalls and locally heavy downpours. A small tornado near Holland, New York damaged several buildings and blew down a number of trees.

1980 

Cold air triggered thunderstorms and possible small tornadoes. Hail covered the ground at Indian Falls in Genesee county and hail up to 3/4 inch was observed at Orchard Park. A barn was destroyed by wind in Alabama in Genesee county. Wind damage also occurred in the Wheatfield/Pendleton area of Niagara county. Three golfers were injured in Lancaster when lightning struck a nearby tree. 

1989

Thunderstorms and heavy downpours dropped a record 3.01 inches of rain at the Buffalo Airport. Rainfall amounts from three to four inches were reported in Amherst, Erie county. Reports of flooded roads, viaducts, intersections, and basements were numerous. A power company spokesman reported nearly 2000 customers without electricity. Scajaquada Creek at Buffalo crested 0.75 feet above flood stage.

1993

Thunderstorms developed along a cold front which crossed the area during the late evening hours. The thunderstorm winds downed trees and power lines. In Albion, Orleans County, a quarter mile stretch of power poles were snapped. In Watertown, Jefferson County, the thunderstorm winds gusted to 50 knots at the airport (ART) and caused the collapse of part of the roof of a nearby motel.

Lightning struck a USAir Boeing 737 parked overnight at the Buffalo International Airport. The lightning traveled through the plane to the runway and exploded the concrete runway at the three points of the landing gear. The flying concrete debris caused damage to the fuselage and winds of the plane. The 737 had to be ferried out for repairs. In addition to the damage to the plane and runway, power generators connected to the plane overnight were shorted and blown out.

1996

A thunderstorm moving across the eastern portions of Genesee county produced 3/4" hail, damaging winds, and torrential rains. The winds downed trees and power lines. The storm dropped over 2.5" of rain in about an hour. Minor urban flooding occurred. Another thunderstorm moving across the Buffalo metro area produced strong winds, torrential rains, and frequent lightning. The thunderstorm winds downed trees and power lines. Nearly 3000 customers were without power in the Village of Sloan. A 100 ft. maple tree was downed by the winds. Another uprooted tree crushed an automobile parked nearby.

2004

A cold front moving south across the area was accompanied by showers and strong thunderstorms during the afternoon hours. The thunderstorm winds downed trees and power lines in Ellicottville, Hinsdale , Olcott, Carthage and near Alexandria Bay . In Wellsville and Olean , homes were damaged by fallen trees. Hail up to 3/4" in diameter was reported in Ellicottville and Waterport.

2005

9th-10th Thunderstorms rolled across the area during the evening and early overnight hours. The storms produced up to five inches of rain in some areas. Centerline, Maxon and Humphrey Roads in Wyoming County were closed because of damage and erosion of their shoulders. In Aurora, Erie County, a garage floor washed away resulting in damage to a motorcycle and SUV. In Cheektowaga, parts of the Scajaquada Expressway were closed when flood waters covered the road. Lightning struck the Eden Town Hall. Electronic equipment, including the main Police radio counsel, was damaged throughout the building.