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TERROR IN NEW YORK: Family reveals how catastrophic EF-2 tornado ripped through barn they were living in

Initial estimates show damages of at least $1.2 million as a result of the tornado that struck upstate New York on July 28

An EF-2 classified tornado created destruction spread over several miles in the Buffalo area of upstate New York on July 28 just as a severe thunderstorm hit the area. Initial estimates show damages of at least $1.2 million. 

Based on a National Weather Service’s preliminary storm survey, the path of damage was around 10 miles long, beginning from Java to north of Gainesville. The path’s maximum width was 500 yards. The path of the tornado followed Route 78, specifically the road from Java to Wethersfield. Wyoming County Fire Coordinator Bill Streicher said, "Route 78 had an excessive number of downed trees across the roadway and in one section it did take down some power lines." 

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Las Vegas also witnessed severe rain and extreme thunderstorms on July 29 as multiple casinos and hotels along with airports and parking lots found themselves submerged in flood water. In June, a similar incident of thunderstorm coupled with tornado had struck Chicago, affecting more than 56,000 residents.

WKBW channel reporter Jeff Russo posted a series of tweets from the scene in Java, where a family unfortunately had its barn collapsed. About 100 houses across Arcade and Dansville reportedly lost electricity during the two tornado warnings, that were in place for about 35 minutes before the alert was changed to severe thunderstorm. He describes, "On the scene here in Java where a barn has collapsed. The Director of Emergency Services for Wyoming County tells me there is substantial damage to both the barn and house. Says strong winds were in area. NWS investigation reports of a Tornado."

The family which suffered the maximum damage as a result of the tornado had moved into the barn only a year ago. "To clarify. Sam and her family just moved into the barn here a year ago. She was inside her home with her children when winds came through," Russo wrote on Twitter. However, luckily, while the tornado caused some damages, no injuries were reported anywhere.

Below is another video that shows the amount of damages.

“(The tornado) was probably only on the ground for five minutes or so… The storms weren’t moving that fast, so probably just took its time to get from that farm across the road and damage the trees that it did,” said Dave Sills, NTP’s executive director to Global News. Investigation is expected to continue through high-resolution satellite images to search for any further damage and to assess if any other tornadoes may have touched down.

The US is no stranger to the phenomenon of tornadoes and hurricanes, which cause considerable damage throughout the year in many areas. In May 2022, an EF-3 tornado wrecked havoc as it reportedly triggered winds up to 165 mph while ripping apart over 1000 homes around Kansas. Earlier, in March 2022, multiple tornadoes ripped through northern Texas, Oklahoma, injuring several people and destroying several structures.