Urgent Tornado Warning Near Me: Waterloo Damage Confirmed

Image Source: RochesterFirst

Tornado warning near me concerns remained high across the Rochester region Thursday as communities cleaned up after powerful storms produced multiple tornado warnings, damaging winds, large hail, flooding and widespread power outages.

The National Weather Service confirmed shortly before 3:30 p.m. Thursday that evidence of both a tornado and straight-line wind damage was found in the Waterloo area following Wednesday evening’s severe weather. Officials were also surveying possible tornado damage in Shelby in Orleans County and Byron in Genesee County.

Breaking Tornado Warning Near Me Update: Waterloo Damage Confirmed

Wednesday’s storms triggered tornado warnings in Monroe, Genesee, Orleans, Steuben, Seneca and Livingston counties. Several warnings continued until approximately 11 p.m., leaving residents to deal with fallen trees, blocked roads, damaged utility lines and dangerous travel conditions.

An Orleans County firefighter reported seeing a tornado near Shelby Center. Residents also shared photographs of a powerful supercell that may have produced a tornado in the area. Meteorologists cautioned that eyewitness reports and storm photographs are important clues, but an official survey is needed to determine whether a tornado touched down and how strong it was.

Powerful Storm Damage Reported Across Webster

In Monroe County, Webster experienced some of the most visible damage Thursday morning. News10NBC crews observed a large tree that toppled power lines on Holt Road, tree limbs scattered across a lawn on Schlegel Road and traffic lights that were not operating at several intersections.

RG&E crews were working to repair damaged wires as residents began clearing debris. Flooded roads, underpasses and fallen trees continued to create hazards for drivers. Utility officials urged the public to keep a safe distance from downed wires because they may still be energized.

• Stay at least 30 feet away from downed power lines.
• If a wire falls on your vehicle, remain inside and wait for emergency assistance.
• Avoid flooded roads and never drive around barricades.
• Report dangerous wires or utility hazards to the appropriate power company.

Critical Power Outage Numbers After the Storm

More than 38,000 customers across Western New York and the Finger Lakes lost power at some point during the storm outbreak, according to RG&E and NYSEG. More than 10,000 homes and businesses were still without electricity Thursday.

The outage figures listed at 4 p.m. included:

• 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

Residents were encouraged to treat every downed line as dangerous and to remain patient while utility crews assessed damage and restored service.

What Meteorologists Found in Shelby and Byron

First Alert Meteorologist Nate Morris said the possible Shelby tornado may have begun as a waterspout over Lake Ontario before moving inland toward Newfane in Niagara County and then into Shelby. He reported seeing large tree limbs down and debris scattered throughout the Shelby area.

In Byron, Morris also observed scattered debris, although the damage appeared less severe than in Shelby. He said the reported tornado may have touched down, lifted and then touched down again. The National Weather Service’s surveys are expected to provide more information about the storm’s path, strength and duration.

Why Tornadoes Still Matter in New York

Tornadoes are uncommon in New York, but Wednesday’s storms showed that they remain a serious threat. Historical records dating back to 1748 list 625 tornadoes in the state as of June. Those storms have caused 58 deaths, 530 injuries and nearly half a billion dollars in damage.

Most New York tornadoes are relatively weak. About 72% have been rated EF0 or EF1, while 17% have been rated EF2. Stronger EF3 and EF4 tornadoes are rare, and New York has never recorded an EF5 tornado.

Monroe County has recorded eight tornadoes, occurring about once every 19 years on average. The only tornado to strike Rochester occurred on July 1, 1932. It was estimated to be an F2 and traveled more than 26 miles from south of Brockport toward Webster. Monroe County has not recorded another tornado since 2020.

FAQs About the Tornado Warning Near Me

Was a tornado confirmed in Waterloo?

Yes. The National Weather Service confirmed evidence of a tornado and straight-line wind damage in the Waterloo area after Wednesday’s storms.

Which areas were being surveyed?

Survey teams were examining possible tornado damage in Shelby in Orleans County and Byron in Genesee County.

How many customers lost power?

More than 38,000 customers across Western New York and the Finger Lakes lost power during the storm, with more than 10,000 still without service Thursday.

What should I do if I see a downed power line?

Stay at least 30 feet away, avoid touching the wire and keep others away. If a wire lands on your vehicle, stay inside and wait for emergency responders.