Allegany County, NY – A tornado touched down in Allegany County, causing widespread damage across the towns of Wirt and Friendship on Friday night. The National Weather Service (NWS) Storm Survey Team confirmed the tornado’s strength as EF-1, with winds peaking at 100 mph.
According to the NWS report, the tornado formed at 9:34 p.m. in the Town of Wirt and moved northeast toward Friendship. It carved a 6-mile path but wasn’t consistently on the ground. The tornado caused significant tree damage, especially along County Route 34, where several large hardwood and softwood trees were snapped or uprooted. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported.
The damage survey revealed the tornado intensified near Burdick Road and Route 34, where tree destruction was the most severe. It briefly weakened before touching down again near Wells Road, where several pine trees were uprooted. One tree fell on a home, causing minor roof damage.
The tornado’s path ended at 9:50 p.m. northeast of Friendship. This survey remains preliminary, and further analysis, including satellite imagery, may adjust the tornado’s final path and impact area.
This event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of tornadoes in the region.
