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Tornado damage was confirmed in Waterloo after powerful storms moved across the Rochester region Wednesday, bringing multiple warnings, flooding, large hail, downed trees, damaged power lines and widespread outages.
The National Weather Service confirmed Thursday afternoon that evidence showed both a tornado and straight-line wind damage in the Waterloo area. Crews and residents continued cleaning up as officials surveyed additional damage in Shelby, Orleans County, and Byron, Genesee County.
Breaking Tornado Confirmation Follows Dangerous Storms
Wednesday evening’s storm system produced five tornado warnings across the region. Warnings covered Monroe, Genesee, Orleans, Steuben, Seneca and Livingston counties, with some remaining in effect until about 11 p.m.
In Waterloo, the National Weather Service found signs consistent with a tornado as well as damage caused by straight-line winds. The confirmation followed reports of severe weather throughout the Finger Lakes and Western New York.
Survey teams also examined reports from Shelby and Byron. An Orleans County firefighter said a tornado appeared to touch down near Shelby Center, while residents sent in photographs of a powerful supercell that may have produced a tornado in the area.
First Alert Meteorologist Nate Morris reported seeing large tree limbs and debris scattered around Shelby. In Byron, he observed debris but noted that the damage appeared less severe. Morris said the reported tornado may have touched down, lifted and then touched down again.
Webster Faces Major Storm Damage and Power Outages
Webster experienced some of the most significant remaining damage in Monroe County. News10NBC crews saw a large tree topple power lines on Holt Road, while branches damaged a lawn on Schlegel Road. Several traffic lights were also out at intersections.
RG&E crews worked Thursday to repair damaged wires and restore service. Residents were warned to use caution while traveling because of flooded roads, blocked underpasses, fallen trees and debris.
Utility officials urged people to stay at least 30 feet away from downed wires. Live electrical lines can carry enough voltage to cause serious injury or death. Anyone whose vehicle comes into contact with a power line should remain inside and wait for emergency assistance.
Power Outage Numbers Across the Region
More than 38,000 customers lost power at some point across Western New York and the Finger Lakes. More than 10,000 homes and businesses were still without electricity Thursday morning, according to outage information provided by RG&E and NYSEG.
- Monroe County: 1,125 RG&E customers without power
- Livingston County: 1,081 NYSEG customers without power
- Seneca County: 5,103 NYSEG customers without power
- Orleans County: 1,051 National Grid customers without power
RG&E and NYSEG crews continued working through the storm aftermath. Residents should report downed wires and other electrical hazards to their utility company and avoid areas where repair work is underway.
How Common Is a Tornado in New York?
Although tornadoes are uncommon in New York State, meteorologists say they remain a real threat during strong thunderstorms. Historical records dating back to 1748 show 625 recorded tornadoes in the state as of June.
New York ranks 30th among states for the number of recorded tornadoes. Most have been relatively weak: 72% were rated EF0 or EF1, while 17% reached EF2 strength. EF3 and EF4 tornadoes are rare, and New York has never recorded an EF5 tornado.
State tornadoes have caused 58 deaths, 530 injuries and nearly half a billion dollars in damage over the historical record. Monroe County has recorded eight tornadoes, occurring approximately once every 19 years.
The only tornado documented as striking Rochester occurred on July 1, 1932. It was estimated to be an F2 and traveled more than 26 miles, beginning south of Brockport and dissipating south of Webster. Monroe County has not recorded another tornado since 2020.
Safety Remains Critical During Cleanup
Residents should continue monitoring official weather alerts and avoid driving through flooded roads or underpasses. Storm debris can conceal live wires, unstable branches and other hazards.
The National Weather Service’s surveys in Shelby and Byron could provide additional details about the storm’s path, strength and impact. Until those reviews are complete, some reports may remain classified as tornado observations rather than confirmed tornadoes.
What damage was confirmed in Waterloo?
The National Weather Service confirmed evidence of both a tornado and straight-line wind damage in Waterloo following Wednesday’s severe storms.
Which communities were being surveyed?
Survey teams examined reported damage in Shelby in Orleans County and Byron in Genesee County. Residents and first responders reported possible tornado activity in both areas.
How many customers lost power?
More than 38,000 customers lost power at some point across the region, and more than 10,000 remained without service Thursday morning.
What should residents do around downed wires?
Stay at least 30 feet away from downed wires. If a wire touches a vehicle, remain inside and wait for emergency responders.
