OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Pictured is a tree that was uprooted during a tornado that struck Forestville on July 10.

HANOVER — On July 10, a tornado struck the hamlet of Forestville and its surrounding areas. As several residents sustained property damage from the severe weather, the town of Hanover is doing its best to facilitate relief efforts.

The Town of Hanover will be holding an informative meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 13, at the Hanover Town Hall, located at 68 Hanover St. in Silver Creek, for any resident affected by the extreme weather last month.

Representatives from the Dunkirk-Fredonia Society of St. Vincents de Paul will attend the meeting. They have funding available for storm related damage and will provide relief applications to affected residents. County officials will also be present to answer any questions relating to additional state and local funding.

The majority of the impact from the tornado on July 10 was felt at Prospect Road in Forestville. Four trees were entirely uprooted and several others were downed, while power lines were also downed. Residences, barns and garages were also damaged, including a residence’s roof being uplifted.

One person was transported to a nearby hospital with minor injuries after their vehicle struck a downed tree. Another person on Prospect Road sustained minor injuries and declined medical services.

County Executive PJ Wendel said that with how much damage was sustained in the area, he was “very surprised to see there wasn’t any more significant injuries” than what was reported. Wendel added, “By the grace of God, we survived this. I think a few chickens may have perished, but other than that, we came out unscathed.”

A total of 22 tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and flooding affected multiple Upstate communities from July 10-16. In late July, Governor Kathy Hochul announced up to $11 million in emergency assistance for eligible homeowners and municipalities in seven counties impacted by a series of severe weather events. Up to $5 million in state funds will be made available to eligible homeowners impacted by these storm events, through emergency repair grants of up to $50,000 to homeowners in eligible counties – including Chautauqua and Erie counties – who suffered damage to their primary residence.

In order to qualify for relief, Chautauqua County as a whole needed to reach $587,000 of assessed damages. Town of Hanover Disaster Coordinator Rob Weiskerger, Hanover Supervisor Lou Pelletter, and Imagine Forestville President Aimee Rogers are among the community representatives who have assisted in documenting the damage.

With any questions, contact the Town of Hanover Clerk’s office at (716) 934-2273.