A tornado touched down in Buffalo,Johnathan Walker New York, on Monday, breaking the state's record for the most tornadoes confirmed in a single year, according to meteorologists.
The EF-1 tornado hit the west side of downtown Buffalo between 12:45 p.m. and 12:51 p.m., with wind speeds of 90 mph, according to the National Weather Service. The damage path had a maximum width of 300 yards, six times more than the average of 50 yards.
The tornado caused substantial damage to buildings as it was seen blowing through the downtown area before it was confirmed. Video shows debris flying through the area.
The Buffalo police and fire departments said there have been reports of several damaged buildings and traffic lights without power, according to an X post. No injuries have been reported but the police department is asking people to avoid the area.
National Grid reported over 800 customers without power in the area.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said on X that she has spoken to Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz about the extreme weather.
"Thankfully, there are no reports of injuries at this time. State emergency management personnel is in close contact with local partners & is ready to support with any resources," Hochul wrote on X.
The governor also warned New Yorkers that Tropical Storm Debby, which was downgraded from hurricane status Monday, could impact some parts of the state later this week. The storm has killed at least four people as it ravages along Florida's Big Bend coast.
The Buffalo tornado follows four others that landed in western new York last month. EF-0 and EF-2 tornadoes touched down on July 10 in Eden, Arkwright, Aurora and West Falls.
"Once again, we are very lucky there were no serious injuries from this tornado, just like happened with last month's tornadoes in Eden and West Falls," Poloncarz wrote on X Monday.
New York has now seen 26 confirmed tornadoes in 2024, breaking a state record, the State Weather Risk Communication Center reported.
This year surpassed 1992, when 25 tornadoes were confirmed, and 1998 and 2011, which each had 23, according to the center's data.
Contributing: Emily Barnes, USA TODAY Network New York State Team
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