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Severe storms and a tornado watch impact Upstate New York and the Finger Lakes region

A dual wave of storms moved across Upstate New York on Wednesday, causing power outages, flooding, and fallen trees. More than 23,000 customers lost power across the region as wind gusts reached 76 mph in Seneca Falls and 60 mph in Penn Yan. Heavy rain and hail also impacted the area, with Massena recording over 3 inches of rain and hail measuring up to 1 inch in diameter falling in Freedom. The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for 16 counties in central and western New York, including the Finger Lakes, effective until 11 p.m. Wednesday. The watch indicates a moderate chance of strong tornadoes and a high chance of severe wind and hail events. While several tornado warnings were issued, no tornadoes were confirmed by the four offices covering the region. The storms caused significant damage to trees and houses, particularly in Western New York and the Finger Lakes. A waterspout formed over Lake Ontario and moved ashore in Niagara County. In Syracuse, the storms forced the closure of the New York State Fair for approximately one hour during the morning and again at 6 p.m.

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