Jun 10, 1999
Scattered thunderstorms crossed the western southern tier during the evening hours. The thunderstorm winds downed tree limbs and power lines. Lightning struck a 5000 gallon crude oil storage tank. The tank exploded blowing out the bottom of it and hurling it into the air. HAZMAT crews were called out to clean up about 3000 gallons of crude oil which spilled. The torrential rains resulted in flash flooding which closed roads in the city of Jamestown.
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database (event 5699862). Narrative written by NWS staff at the time of the event.
This event is one of many recorded floods in Chautauqua County. See the full FEMA flood zone map, NFIP claim totals, and disaster history for the area.