OMIGOSH! Downtown Buffalo had unpredicted EF1 tornado today

[wnylib]

12. Several people in office buildings watched and took videos.

Last edited Tue Aug 6, 2024, 12:04 AM - Edit history (1)

I'd have been hiding out in the bathroom if it was me.

There was one video that showed really well the formation from swirling clouds. A funnel started to drop down from them, went back up, then went down to the ground for a minute before dissipating. Right behind it, another one formed and touched down briefly. I tried to find that video again to post a link here, but couldn't.

Other videos recorded a funnel from a different angle, showing a clearly formed funnel from cloud to ground with downtown buildings in the background. So, I think that at least 3 formed but two dissipated quickly. The 3rd one stayed on the ground longer and traveled through the streets. But the US Weather Service only confirmed the one that formed completely and stayed on the ground for a while.

One video of that longer lasting one, taken through an office window, was interesting. Funnels are not clearly visible until they collect dust and debris. The video showed debris circling around but the funnel itself was almost transparent and invisible.

Damage was limited to some lost rooftops, overturned cars, broken windows, and numerous downed trees and electrical wires. A nursing home lost half of its roof. Patients were ok, but several had to be relocated.