Thunderstorm Wind in Erie County, New York

Violent thunderstorms ripped across western New York and the Finger Lakes region during the evening hours. The strong thunderstorms downed trees and power lines and left hundreds of thousands without power. Several roads were blocked by fallen debris. Several of the falling trees caused damage to houses and automobiles. At Beaver Island State Park, 12 people were injured when gust front winds downed a 35 foot tree onto a table of picnickers. Seven adults and five children, ranging in age from 5 to 35, were take to the hospital. Most suffered cuts and bruises. Eleven were treated and released. One woman was held overnight with shoulder and upper back injuries. In Monroe County, at the Freeman Park in Mumford four people at a company picnic were injured when high winds picked up a tent and dragged it through the crowd. They were treated and released from an area hospital.