Winds are whipping across New York state as the tornado watches temporarily shift to warnings then back again. Severe thunderstorm warning also swept strong winds through the state.
But how windy did it get? Here are the strongest wind gusts recorded across western New York as of 2 p.m. on Thursday. As of then, the highest recorded gust was 57 mph in Buffalo, which took place at 7:42 a.m., according to Weather Service data.
Strongest gusts across New York
High wind reports were not available throughout much of New York as of midday Thursday.
Gusts up to 55 mph and sustained winds between 20 and 30 mph were predicted (until 8 p.m.) by Weather Service meteorologists.
Tornado watch in 3 dozen NY counties
A tornado watch is underway for three dozen counties in New York state on Thursday through 3 p.m., according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo. Those counties – mainly in central, northern and eastern New York – are at risk for tornado activity, isolated hail and strong wind gusts.
As the strongest winds move east, a rolling tornado warning is making its way through central New York on Thursday afternoon.
In turn, tree branches and other items are bearing the brunt of the wind, at times snapping and leading to power outages across the state. Thousands of utility customers have lost power as a result.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: New York wind gusts reach 57 mph as storms hit
Reporting by Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team | USA TODAY Network
