Hail and Damaging Winds in New York, July 3, 1999

Severe thunderstorms cross the region during the late afternoon hour. The thunderstorms produced heavy downpours, up to three inches in some spots, strong winds and large hail. The heavy downpours resulted in localized poor drainage flooding. The strong winds downed trees and power lines throughout the region. Structure damage was also reported. Funnel clouds were sighted in Freedom in Cattaraugus County and in Cato in Northern Cayuga county. A thunderstorm which crossed Wyoming and Livingston counties produced a swath of hail between one-half and one-mile wide. Windows were broken and siding and shutters were damaged. Hundreds of acres of corn were damaged. The golfball sized hail covered the ground in spots and remained for several hours. A NWS survey team examined the damage in southern Erie and Cattaraugus counties were funnels were reported. Although it was determined to be the result of downburst winds, the damage was quite extensive. In Yorkshire, a large equipment shed was blown apart. In Delevan, a large barn and two concrete silos were destroyed. At the Freedom Speedway, several large trees were moved, light poles were bent over and a cinder block building was moved off its foundation.