Extensive Damage Shows Possible Tornado in Upstate New York

Did a Tornado Touch Down in Upstate New York?

The unpredictable Upstate New York weather turned volatile on Monday, and a video that shows the aftermath of the storm has many wondering if an actual tornado caused the damage.

The National Weather Service has yet to confirm what some believe was a tornado that ripped through Elicotville, a village in western New York about 45 minutes south of Buffalo.

First Responder Shows Aftermath of Storm

A first responder from western New York named Jess Anderson said in a Facebook post that he was one of the first on the scene after the storm ripped through town.

Anderson was convinced that a tornado had destroyed the house and barn he was deployed to. His videos not only showed the sheer destruction but also a tender moment that involved some family pets.

Helpless Kittens Rescued from the Rubble

In one of the videos, Anderson rescues a kitten that appears to be under some rubble, gently placing it near a handful of other desheveled kitties that surely would not have survived had first responders not arrived when they did.

"We think all kittens were saved," he wrote on his Facebook page. "My heart goes out to the amazing couple who lived there. Without a roof on their house, all they cared about was their dog...who was safe inside with them."

In 2024, New York experienced a record-breaking 33 confirmed tornadoes, surpassing the previous 25 set in 1992. The majority of these tornadoes occurred in July, with 16 confirmed during that month alone, also setting a new record for the most tornadoes in a single month, according to the National Weather Service.