Buffalo, New York – A confirmed tornado tore through parts of Cattaraugus County Wednesday afternoon, leaving a narrow but damaging path southwest of Machias in just three minutes.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, the tornado has been rated EF-1 with peak winds reaching 107 mph. The storm touched down around 3:43 p.m. and lifted by 3:46 p.m., carving a 1.5-mile path roughly 2 miles southwest of Machias. Damage reports show a maximum path width of about 150 yards.
The short-lived tornado snapped trees and caused localized structural damage along its track, with debris scattered across rural properties. While no injuries or fatalities have been reported, cleanup efforts are ongoing in affected areas.
This tornado developed as part of a broader severe weather setup that moved across western New York Wednesday, producing strong thunderstorms and isolated rotation.
Residents in Cattaraugus County and surrounding areas should remain alert for additional updates, as more storm surveys could refine damage assessments.
