Tornado warning in Buffalo | wgrz.com

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Tornadoes touched down in Chautauqua and Erie counties Wednesday afternoon, while severe storms caused widespread damage in western New York.

The first tornado touched down in Arkwright at 12:06 p.m., the National Weather Service confirmed Wednesday night. That Chautauqua County tornado was rated EF-1 and ended at 12:14 p.m. in the town of Hanover.

RELATED: Possible tornadoes cause damage in western New York; state of emergency declared in Eden

The tornado had an estimated maximum wind speed of 110 mph, traveled three miles and was 150 yards wide.

The National Weather Service said minor damage to roofs and hardwood trees was reported along Henry Road in Arkwright, with more tree damage found on Putnam, Zahm and Bradigah roads.

“The most significant damage was seen along Prospect Road, where several structures experienced roof failure, walls burst and an entire stand of hardwood trees was either uprooted or completely snapped,” the NWS said.

The second tornado touched down at 12:40 p.m. in the town of Eden and ended four minutes later. The Erie County tornado was rated EF-0. It had an estimated peak wind of 85 mph, traveled nine-tenths of a mile, and was 75 yards wide.

According to the NWS, the most damaged area is around Gary Drive and Sauer Road.

“At this location, several buildings were uprooted and trees with shallow roots fell on them. This is by far the area where the damage was most severe and where the path of this tornado ended,” the weather agency said.