Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Erie, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Wyoming Counties
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is in effect for portions of western New York until 11:15 PM EST, with quarter-size hail and 50 mph winds expected.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for several counties in western New York. The alert is effective immediately and remains in place until 11:15 PM EST.
Affected Areas
The warning covers the following geographic regions in western New York:
- Southwestern Wyoming County
- Northern Cattaraugus County
- Southern Erie County
- Northeastern Chautauqua County
Specific locations impacted include Hamburg, Evans, Boston, Eden, Springville, Colden, Silver Creek, Angola, Arcade, and North Collins. This warning also includes Interstate 90 between exits 57A and 58.
What You Should Do
For your protection, residents in the warned area should move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. Prepare immediately for large hail and deadly cloud-to-ground lightning. Seek shelter inside a well-built structure and stay away from windows.
Expected Conditions
At 10:27 PM EST, radar indicated a severe thunderstorm near Evangola State Park, or 13 miles northeast of Dunkirk, moving east at 50 mph. The primary hazards include:
- Hail: Quarter size (1.00 inch), which is expected to cause damage to vehicles.
- Wind: Gusts up to 50 MPH.
- Lightning: Deadly cloud-to-ground lightning is possible.
Timeline
The warning was issued at 10:28 PM EST on February 18 and is scheduled to expire at 11:15 PM EST.
Source: NOAA Official Notice