The severe weather that ravaged Western New York on Wednesday spawned two tornadoes — one in northern Chautauqua County and one in southern Erie County. That’s according to preliminary data from the National Weather Service, which is subject to change pending final review.
The first tornado was an EF1 twister with estimated peak winds of 110 MPH that touched down in the Town of Arkwright at 12:06 PM. It was on the ground for approximately eight minutes and traveled three miles, entering the Town of Hanover. Initial minor roof damage and hardwood tree damage were noted along Henry Road in the Town of Arkwright. Mostly tree damage continued northeast from Henry Road, with tree damage noted along Putnam Road, as well as increasing tree damage northeast from there across Zahm Road and Bradigan Road. Substantial roofing damage was noted to a home along Gage Road with a wider swath of tree damage as well. As the storm moved northeast from there, the most damage was noted along Prospect Road as multiple structures experienced roof failure, wall blowout, and an entire grove of hardwood trees were either uprooted or snapped off fully.
The second tornado touched down at 12:40 PM in the Town of Eden and traveled nine-tenths of a mile for approximately four minutes. This was an EF0 tornado with estimated peak winds of 85 MPH. Minor tree damage was noted near the intersection of Jennings Road and Kickbush Gulf. Sporadic tree damage extended northeast from that point to the area of widest damage along Gary Drive and Sauer Road. In that location, multiple buildings had uprooted shallow-rooted trees fall onto them. This was by far the area of greatest damage and the end of the path of this tornado.
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