Western New York: Storms, Tornadoes Possible
- A Severe Thunderstorm Watch was in effect for all of Western New York.
- A Severe Thunderstorm Watch had been in effect for Erie, Niagara, Wyoming, Genesee, and Orleans counties until 7 p.m.
- The storms formed a line extending from 21 miles north of Newfane and Lockport down to Lackawanna.
Severe Weather Alerts Issued for Western New York and pennsylvania
Table of Contents
Published: 2025-03-17
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch was in effect for all of Western New York. Strong to severe storms were already impacting parts of the region.
Expired Severe Thunderstorm Watch
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch had been in effect for Erie, Niagara, Wyoming, Genesee, and Orleans counties until 7 p.m. However, this alert has since expired.
Potential Impacts of the Storms
The storms formed a line extending from 21 miles north of Newfane and Lockport down to Lackawanna. Forecasters warned of possible wind gusts of up to 60 mph. The primary concerns included:
- Hail damage to vehicles
- Wind damage to roofs
- Wind damage to siding
- Wind damage to trees
Areas Affected by the Warning
The severe thunderstorm impacted several locations, including:
- Angola
- Clarence Centre
- Fort Niagara State Park
- Bliss
- Depew
- Colden
- Newfane
- Pembroke
- Woodlawn Beach State Park
- Lewiston
The warning also encompassed the State thruway between exits 48 and 57A.
Othre Expired Severe Weather Warnings
A Severe thunderstorm Warning had been issued for eastern McKean and Potter Counties until 3:45 p.m. This warning has also expired.
Additionally, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning was in effect for eastern Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties until 3:30 p.m. The alert mentioned potential damaging wind gusts of around 60 mph. This alert has expired as well.
Expired Tornado Warning
A Tornado Warning had been issued for parts of McKean and Potter counties in northern Pennsylvania until 3:15 p.m.The storm was moving north at 70 mph. this warning has as expired.
Storm Movement
Much of the severe weather activity was moving north at a rapid pace, approximately 60 to 70 mph.
importance of severe Thunderstorm Warnings
The NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center highlights the importance of taking severe thunderstorm warnings seriously. In 2024, there were over 5,300 reports of severe hail – at least 1 inch in diameter – in the U.S., according to NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center, making up 22% of all severe weather reports that year.
According to Wikipedia, a severe thunderstorm warning is a “type of public warning for severe weather that is issued by weather forecasting agencies worldwide when one or more severe thunderstorms have been detected by Doppler weather radar, observed by weather spotters, or reported by an emergency management agency, law enforcement, or the general…”
The Storm Prediction Center issued a forecast on March 17, 2025:
A Major Severe Weather Outbreak is Forecast Today and/or Tonight A tornado outbreak is expected across the central Gulf Coast States and Deep South into the tennessee Valley. Numerous meaningful tornadoes, some of which should be long-track and potentially violent, are expected this afternoon and evening.
NOAA/NWS Storm Prediction Center
Severe Weather Alerts: What You Need to Know (Updated 2025)
Here’s a extensive Q&A guide to help you understand severe weather alerts, particularly focusing on the types of alerts issued for Western New York and Pennsylvania on March 17, 2025.
Understanding Severe Weather Alerts
What is a severe thunderstorm watch?
A severe thunderstorm watch means that conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms to develop in the specified area. It’s notable to stay informed and monitor weather updates when a watch is in effect. On March 17, 2025, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch was in effect for all of Western New York.
What is a severe thunderstorm warning?
According to Wikipedia, a severe thunderstorm warning is issued by weather forecasting agencies when a severe thunderstorm has been detected by Doppler weather radar, observed by weather spotters, or reported by an emergency management agency, law enforcement, or the general public. It signifies an imminent threat, and you should take immediate action to protect yourself.
What does “expired” mean in the context of weather alerts?
when a weather alert is listed as “expired,” it means that the threat has passed or the time frame for the alert has ended. Such as, on March 17, 2025, a Severe Thunderstorm watch for Erie, Niagara, Wyoming, Genesee, and Orleans counties expired at 7 p.m.A Tornado warning for parts of McKean and Potter counties in northern Pennsylvania expired at 3:15 p.m. and a severe thunderstorm Warning for eastern McKean and Potter Counties expired at 3:45 p.m. Additionally, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for eastern Cattaraugus and allegany Counties expired at 3:30 p.m. This means the immediate dangers associated with those alerts are no longer present in those specific areas. However, it’s always wise to stay updated on the overall weather situation.
What is a tornado warning?
A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. This is the highest level of alert, and immediate action is required. An expired Tornado Warning was issued for parts of McKean and Potter counties in northern Pennsylvania untill 3:15 p.m. on March 17, 2025.
Potential impacts and Affected Areas
What are the potential impacts of a severe thunderstorm?
Severe thunderstorms can bring a variety of hazards, including:
hail damage to vehicles
wind damage to roofs
Wind damage to siding
Wind damage to trees
on March 17, 2025, forecasters warned of possible wind gusts of up to 60 mph in Western New York.
Which areas were affected by the severe thunderstorm warning on March 17, 2025?
The severe thunderstorm impacted several locations in Western New York, including:
Angola
Clarence Centre
Fort Niagara State Park
Bliss
Depew
Colden
Newfane
Pembroke
Woodlawn Beach State Park
Lewiston
The warning also encompassed the State Thruway between exits 48 and 57A.
Understanding Storm Prediction and Movement
How fast were the storms moving on March 17, 2025?
The severe weather activity was moving north at a rapid pace, approximately 60 to 70 mph.
What was the Storm Prediction Centre forecasting for March 17, 2025?
The Storm Prediction Center issued a forecast on March 17, 2025, stating: “A Major Severe Weather Outbreak is Forecast Today and/or Tonight. A tornado outbreak is expected across the central Gulf Coast States and Deep south into the Tennessee Valley. Numerous meaningful tornadoes, some of which should be long-track and potentially violent, are expected this afternoon and evening.”
Importance of Severe Thunderstorm warnings
Why are severe thunderstorm warnings important?
The NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center highlights the importance of taking severe thunderstorm warnings seriously. In 2024, there were over 5,300 reports of severe hail (at least 1 inch in diameter) in the U.S., according to NOAA’s Storm prediction Center, making up 22% of all severe weather reports that year.
What is the difference between a severe thunderstorm watch and a severe thunderstorm warning?
Here’s a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | Severe Thunderstorm watch | Severe Thunderstorm Warning |
| ——————— | —————————————————– | —————-