Severe Weather Hits Downtown Buffalo, Causes Significant Damage

Severe weather struck downtown Buffalo on Monday afternoon, leading to significant damage across the city. The storm, which some believe could have been a tornado, tore through the area, affecting numerous buildings and infrastructure.

The severe weather, which swept through parts of Buffalo, particularly the Lower West Side and downtown areas, caused substantial structural damage. One of the most notable incidents was the roof being ripped off a building, as captured in a video by a local viewer, Andres V.

Additionally, photos taken by Channel 2 staffers and posted on social media showed downed trees and power lines on Niagara Street and Elmwood Avenue near Hutchinson Central Technical High School.

Further reports indicated that the Delaware North building downtown also suffered damage. The Buffalo Police Department confirmed that there were no injuries reported as of 1:45 p.m., although roughly 1,000 customers were left without power in the downtown area.

Buffalo Public Schools reported minor damage to a tree and a few windows at Hutchinson Central Technical High School, but no injuries were reported among students and staff.

While videos and eyewitness accounts suggested the possibility of a tornado, the National Weather Service has not yet confirmed any tornado activity in the area. Despite this, the severe weather prompted a Severe Thunderstorm Warning and Special Marine Warning earlier in the day.

The primary threats from the storm included high winds, which reached up to 60 mph, and large hail. A Flash Flood Warning was also issued for parts of Erie County due to the torrential rains, which led to 1-2 inches of rainfall in some areas, causing flash flooding of small creeks, streams, and poor drainage areas.

In response to the storm, Buffalo Public Schools ensured the safety of students by maintaining regular transportation schedules despite the damage. Authorities urged residents to avoid any downed power lines and to stay clear of damaged areas until the situation could be fully assessed and repaired.