Windstorm damages Coppins

KeyBank also affected by weather

One of Lewiston’s oldest businesses was damaged Monday morning.

A high-wind weather event caused exterior damage to Coppins Service Center. The front façade – including the iconic red Pegasus horse – was reportedly blown off the building at 550 Center St.

First responders from Lewiston Fire Co. No. 1 – which has its headquarters just down the road on North Sixth Street – were on site before noon coordinating damage mitigation efforts. Center Street was closed from North Sixth to North Fifth streets to accommodate that endeavor.

LFD No. 1 Chief Spencer Lilly said there were no injuries.

A collection of blocks could be seen outside the repair shop’s main entryway and garage bays. With the area corded off, adjoining blocks were cut and removed. That was done to prevent more of a collapse.

Coppins’ sign notes the business has been family owned and operated since 1937.

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Tree falls in KeyBank parking lot

The windstorm also was blamed for a tree falling into the parking lot, drive-thru area, and onto the roof of the KeyBank branch at 493 Center St. Massive limbs were seen blocking the two drive lanes.

No one was injured.

In a press release, New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) attributed Monday’s high winds to Winter Storm Ezra. The Weather Channel noted, “Winter Storm Ezra is bringing strong winds, rain, heavy snow and ice to millions of people from the Midwest to the Northeast.”

Gov. Kathy Hochul’s team cited “winds as high as 70 mph in Western New York.”

LFD update

Lewiston No. 1 provided this update on Coppins later in the day:

On Dec. 29, 2025 at 11:40 a.m. Lewiston Fire Co. No. 1 responded to a report of a partial building collapse at 550 Center St., in the Village of Lewiston.

Upon arrival, crews confirmed a partial collapse of the structure. There were no injuries reported.

Due to high winds and ongoing safety concerns, firefighters closed Center Street and adjacent sidewalks to protect the public. Crews conducted a full evaluation of utilities, including nearby power lines, to ensure there were no immediate hazards.

A coordinated effort on scene was made to secure the remaining portion of the structure and prevent any additional collapse, particularly to reduce the risk of a power line being compromised.

Car 32-1 responded to assist with scene management and coordination. The Village of Lewiston DPW provided barricades to assist with traffic control while the area remained closed.

Once the scene was deemed safe, the roadway was reopened around 1 p.m. The immediate area around the building remained closed while crews cleaned up and secured the building.

The cause of the collapse is under investigation.

Coppins sends thanks

In a social media post following the wind-related events, Coppins shared, “Well as most of you know we had a bit of a problem with the wind yesterday. Apparently Mother Nature did not like the way our little shop looked.

“The amazing part is that no people or vehicles were injured. For that I am incredibly grateful.

“I can't say enough about the way this community comes together during an emergency. Within 15 minutes of the collapse Lewiston #1 Fire Department, Lewiston Police Department and the Village DPW had Center St. shut down for safety.

“In the next 15 minutes I received no less than 50 text messages from multiple customers, friends, relatives other shop owners and acquaintances offering equipment and man power for clean up duty. You all know who you are and are truly appreciated by me and my family.

“Because of this great community the shop was up and running by the late afternoon.

“So to everyone involved including my incredible staff......

"Thank You for everything.

"Other than the cosmetic changes to come we are business as usual.

“PS the pegasus will return!”