HANCOCK - An EF1 tornado packing winds of up to 95 mph carved a nearly 16-mile path across Broome and Delaware counties Saturday evening, July 18, snapping hundreds of trees, damaging homes and outbuildings, toppling power lines and leaving a swath of destruction from Sanford to Hancock, according to the National Weather Service.
Despite the widespread damage, no fatalities or injuries were reported.
The tornado touched down at 6:12 p.m. July 18 along Farnham Road, about 2 miles south-southwest of Sanford in Broome County, and remained on the ground for approximately 19 minutes before lifting near Peas Eddy Road, just east of Hancock, at 6:31 p.m.
National Weather Service meteorologists determined the tornado reached EF1 strength on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, with estimated peak winds of 95 mph. The tornado traveled 15.69 miles and reached a maximum width of about 300 yards.
The storm initially produced sporadic EF0 damage along Farnham Road, where trees were snapped or uprooted, an aging barn sustained minor damage and a gazebo was lifted into a nearby pond.
As it approached Route 41, the tornado intensified to EF1 strength, bringing stronger winds that snapped numerous trees and power poles before crossing Oquaga Creek.
The strongest damage continued along Farnham Road and Old Plank Road, where large numbers of trees were uprooted or broken. One tree fell onto a vehicle, and a residence sustained damage when high winds tore away metal skirting beneath the home.
The tornado weakened briefly as it paralleled Old Plank Road and Old Route 17, producing more isolated tree damage before crossing state Route 17 west of Exit 83 and moving through the largely inaccessible Whittaker Swamp State Forest.
Although much of that area could not be surveyed on the ground, meteorologists observed extensive tree damage on hillsides west of River Road and Route 17 before the tornado continued southeast through Hale Eddy and crossed the Delaware River, causing additional tree damage along Penn York Road.
The tornado then crossed Route 17 again and entered the town of Hancock, where it caused significant damage at the Hancock Golf Course before crossing county Highway 268 and the East Branch of the Delaware River.
Near the river, the tornado strengthened once more to EF1 intensity, producing concentrated damage along the south bank. Survey crews documented extensive tree damage along with damage to residential porches and several outbuildings before the tornado dissipated southeast of Peas Eddy Road.
The tornado was one of two significant wind events confirmed by the National Weather Service following Saturday’s storms.
Meteorologists also identified a powerful microburst about 1.5 miles northwest of Rock Valley. Unlike a tornado, a microburst consists of intense straight-line winds descending rapidly from a thunderstorm.
The Rock Valley microburst produced estimated winds of 105 mph, stronger than the tornado’s peak winds, and left a damage path approximately seven-tenths of a mile long and three-tenths of a mile wide. Survey teams found extensive tree damage, including numerous snapped and uprooted trees.
The National Weather Service’s storm survey found no evidence of injuries associated with either event.
An EF1 tornado is capable of producing moderate damage, with winds ranging from 86 to 110 mph. While stronger tornadoes are uncommon in New York, they are not unprecedented, particularly during periods of severe summer thunderstorms, according to the National Weather Service.
In a joint press release issued Monday, July 20, the town and village of Hancock said officials established an incident command center immediately after the tornado struck and began taking steps to protect life and property. Hancock firefighters, working alongside New York State Electric & Gas crews, the Department of Public Works and private contractors, focused first on gaining access to the heavily damaged Peas Eddy Road area so search-and-rescue operations could begin. After crews were able to reach the area and complete searches, officials said they were “thankful to report there were no injuries or deaths associated with this tornado.” The release said recovery efforts remain ongoing across the Hancock area and urged residents to give emergency and utility crews space to work. A state of emergency and travel advisory remained in effect for the town of Hancock as ofJ uly 20, with town leaders expected to reevaluate those emergency orders later in the day. Officials also announced that water distribution was being scheduled for Monday afternoon at both the Hancock and East Branch fire stations.
