MAY 31

1998

An outbreak of severe storms began across the region during the early morning hours. The storms were particularly dangerous because of the speed that they were moving across the region--sometimes in excess of 60 mph. Most of the damage associated with these storms occurred from a combination of high winds and hail. There were reports of numerous trees and wires down as well as power outages. Tens of thousands were without power. In Niagara and Orleans counties, about 50% of the apple crop was damaged by the pelting hail stones. Several flights were delayed or cancelled at the Buffalo and Rochester airports due to the storms. In Pultneyville, Wayne county, a wooden pavilion was collapsed by the winds. Three-quarter inch hail was reported in Lockport, Ripley and East Otto. Wind gusts of 79 mph in Hamlin, Monroe county and 77 mph in Ontario, Wayne county, were recorded.

A second round of storms for the day moved across the region during the evening hours. Again the thunderstorms produced high winds, large hail and torrential rains. Trees and power lines were downed across western New York. In the Rochester area, the power company reported 30 poles snapped by the winds and 40,000 customers without power. A woman was injured in Depew, Erie county, when a falling tree broke her leg and pelvis. Lightning hit a car traveling on the New York State Thruway--traveled through the car to a door handle--burning the arm of 16 year old female passenger. Lightning throughout the area shattered trees and set a number of fires. At Locust Hill Country Club, the nationally televised Ladies Pro Golf Association tournament was delayed four times by the storms. Three-quarter inch hail fell in Niagara Falls, Lakewood, Carrollton, and Jamestown; one-inch hail fell in Cheektowaga; and one-and-one-half-inch hail fell in Lancaster and Ellicottville. A wind gust of 70 mph was recorded in Buffalo.

A fast moving storm produced a combination of downburst winds and a weak tornado in Brocton, Chautauqua county. The initial damage from the storm was the result of downburst winds and consisted of several large trees tipped over...roots exposed...which witnesses say occurred prior to the heavy rain. A funnel was sighted about 3/4 mile into the damage path and eyewitnesses from that point on said the damage occurred after the heavy rain and hail were over and skies were beginning to brighten. Damage was sporadic along the 2 mile damage path as it appears the tornado was not on the ground the entire time. There were three structures--a house, a barn and a garage--which suffered considerable damage. Several other structures sustained minor damage of siding and shingles being torn off. Most of the damage appeared to have been caused by straightline winds apparently due to the fast movement of the storm. Wind speeds were estimated around 80 mph.

2002

Thunderstorms moved across the region ahead of a cold front. The thunderstorms produced damaging winds and hail up to 3/4" in diameter. The winds downed trees and power lines and scattered power outages were reported. Structural damage to a barn and outbuildings occurred in Martinsburg. A home also suffered damage in Bushnell Basin.

2008

Thunderstorms developed in Niagara County along the convergence of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario lake breezes. The thunderstorms produced hail up to nickel-sized with minor damage being reported in the Towns of Porter and Ransomville.