Buffalo, NY – Strong thunderstorms could disrupt the Tuesday evening commute across western New York, with wind gusts near 60 mph capable of downing trees and power lines by late afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, a Level 2 out of 5 severe storm risk is in place for areas including Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Jamestown, and Dunkirk, with the most intense storms expected between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. Tuesday. Multiple rounds of rain will move through starting overnight, but storms during the afternoon and evening carry the highest threat for damage.
Damaging wind is the primary concern, especially along the I-90 corridor from Erie County into Chautauqua County, where falling branches could block roads and cause scattered outages. Isolated large hail is also possible, and forecasters say a brief tornado cannot be ruled out. Earlier showers may limit instability, but any breaks in cloud cover could quickly increase storm strength.
Heavy rain may produce localized flooding in low-lying areas and poor drainage zones, particularly in Buffalo’s urban neighborhoods and along creeks near Jamestown. Drivers should avoid flooded roadways and prepare for sudden visibility drops.
Storms will taper off from north to south late Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning, but additional advisories may be issued as conditions evolve.
