The National Weather Service confirmed that two tornadoes touched down in Western New York on Monday causing localized damage. The tornadoes, classified as EF-0, left their mark in Grand Island and the Town of Pembroke.
The first tornado, with estimated peak wind speeds of 85 mph, occurred in Grand Island between 4:33pm and 4:36pm. The NWS reported that it initially formed as a tornadic waterspout before transitioning onto land near West River Road and Third Avenue.
The tornado traveled southeast causing the most significant damage along First Street and Second Avenue where a couple of trees were uprooted. As it approached the White Haven Road the damage lessened. In total, the tornado traveled a distance of 1.2 miles with a path width of 75 yards.
The tornado made landfall less than a mile and a half from Niagara Falls.
Approximately four hours later, a second EF-0 tornado touched down in Pembroke. Lasting for two minutes, the tornado had wind speeds of up to 75 mph. It began at 8:32pm along Route 77 near the hamlet of Indian Falls resulting in tree damage at three residences.
Several trees were uprooted and others had large limbs blown down. The tornado continued its eastward path before dissipating at 8:34pm.
The recent tornadoes bring the total number of tornadoes in New York State to 30 this year.
Two Tornadoes Confirmed in Western New York on Monday, One Near Niagara Falls