(WNY News Now) – Buffalo – The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a tornado watch and a severe thunderstorm warning for Chautauqua County, effective from 11:41 AM EDT until 12:15 PM EDT on July 10. At 11:41 AM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was detected over Mayville, moving northeast at 45 mph.

Key Hazards:

• Wind Gusts: 60 mph
• Radar Indicated

Potential Impact: Residents should expect possible damage to roofs, siding, and trees.

Affected Locations:

• Dunkirk
• Fredonia
• Westfield
• Mayville
• Long Point State Park
• Chautauqua Institution
• Lake Erie State Park
• SUNY Fredonia
• Chautauqua
• Portland

Highways Impacted:

• Interstate 90 between exits 59 and 61
• Interstate 86 between exits 6 and 7

Safety Instructions:

• Tornado Alert: Tornadoes can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms. Seek immediate shelter in a basement or a small, central room in a sturdy structure if a tornado is spotted.
• Indoor Safety: Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building for protection.
• Water Safety: If near Chautauqua Lake, move indoors or inside a vehicle. Remember, lightning can strike up to 15 miles from the parent thunderstorm. If you hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Seek safe shelter immediately and avoid being on the water during a thunderstorm.
• Flood Warning: Torrential rainfall is occurring and may lead to flash flooding. Do not drive through flooded roadways.

Precautionary Measures: Residents in the affected areas should remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property. It’s crucial to stay updated with the latest weather information and follow instructions from local authorities.

Issued by: NWS Buffalo NY