Severe storms tore across Western New York and the Finger Lakes, bringing multiple tornado warnings, widespread power outages, large hail, and flooded roads on Wednesday evening, according to local officials and utility companies.
National Weather Service Storm Damage Surveys in Shelby and Byron
The National Weather Service scheduled surveys for Thursday to assess storm damage in Shelby, located in Orleans County, and Byron, located in Genesee County. These evaluations follow several tornado observations reported during Wednesday’s severe weather. An Orleans County firefighter reported seeing a tornado touch down near Shelby Center, while residents submitted photos of the supercell. Monroe, Genesee, Orleans, Steuben, Seneca, and Livingston counties all faced tornado warnings on Wednesday evening, with some alerts remaining in effect through 11 p.m.
Webster Storm Damage and Power Outage Safety
Monroe County bore a significant portion of the remaining power outages, particularly in the town of Webster. News10NBC crews observed a large tree that topped power lines on Holt Road, tree limbs that damaged a lawn on Schlegel Road, and traffic lights out at intersections, alongside RG&E crews working to repair damaged wires. Utility crews advise residents to stay at least 30 feet away from downed wires due to high-voltage risks that can cause injury or death. Anyone encountering a downed wire in contact with a vehicle must remain inside and wait for help, while RG&E customers can report hazards at 1-800-743-1701 and NYSEG customers can call 1-800.572-1131.
Did You Know? The first reported tornado in the region may have begun as a waterspout over Lake Ontario before moving inland toward the Town of Newfane in Niagara County and continuing toward Shelby.
Regional Power Outage Totals and School Closures
More than 10,000 homes and businesses remained without power across the region on Thursday morning, following a peak of over 38,000 customers losing service across Western New York and the Finger Lakes, according to RG&E and NYSEG. Outage counts at 4:45 a.m. included just over 4,000 customers in Monroe County for RG&E, just over 3,200 in Wayne County for RG&E, 14 for RG&E and 63 for NYSEG in Ontario County, 555 for RG&E and 560 for NYSEG in Livingston County, 752 for National Grid in Orleans County, and 1,096 for National Grid in Genesee County. Additionally, the Waterloo Central School District closed on Thursday due to a power outage after the storms. The first day of school isn’t until Tuesday, Sept. 8, but staff were supposed to report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counties were placed under tornado warnings on Wednesday evening?
Monroe, Genesee, Orleans, Steuben, Seneca, and Livingston counties were placed under tornado warnings.
Which areas are being surveyed for potential tornado touches?
The National Weather Service is surveying storm damage in Shelby in Orleans County and Byron in Genesee County.
Who should customers call to report downed power lines or hazards?
RG&E customers can call 1-800-743-1701, and NYSEG customers can call 1-800.572-1131.
How are local utility crews and residents responding to the aftermath of these severe storms in your neighborhood?