HAMBURG, N.Y. — In the Town of Hamburg, there’s an understanding when it comes to severe weather.
“Two to three major storms a year you’ve got to sit tight for a couple of days,” resident Thomas Gumkowski said.
“It’s crazy,” resident Josh Howard added. “It's that perfect little spot. We get every storm.”
For that reason, Wednesday’s storm didn’t come as a surprise.
Hamburg, once again, was targeted, this time with the spring’s first batch of severe weather. Heavy rain inundated the streets, making travel in some parts like crossing a river. Winds gust reached 60 miles per hour, knocking down power lines and trees onto houses.
Gumkowski’s home off Clark Street was one that got hit by a downed tree.
“We were at work, and we came home to find this wonderful treat,” he said. “Looking at the char from the tree, I'm assuming it's a lightning strike that hit it. I'm just glad it wasn't the whole tree. The whole tree would have done a whole lot more damage.”
After the afternoon storms, the focus turned to recovery with emergency crews working Wednesday night to get the lights back on for 125 customers.
“It came in fast and furious, and it left just as fast,” Town of Hamburg Emergency Manager Sean Crotty said. “You would hardly be able to know that we had that storm come through a few hours ago.”
Crotty said residents should be especially mindful of sparking power lines overnight and call 911 if they see one. He also said that they can push any debris to the curb, and the town will come collect it. The town expects everything to be back to normal by Thursday.
Yes, when you live in Hamburg, there are certain expectations when it comes to extreme weather, but these neighbors wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I don't mind that though,” Howard said. “I enjoy being part of the community. You’ve got to clean up. Everyone gives each other a helping hand when you need it, so that’s all that matters.”