Sanford, NY Tornado

...Minor tornado damage found in Sanford Township in Broome county and also in western Broome county along Bean Hill Road...

On May 31st, a severe thunderstorm produced a tornado that touched down in parts of western Broome county. The National Weather Service confirmed that there was an F0 tornado touchdown about 5 miles southwest of Deposit, New York in Sanford Township. Wind speeds associated with this tornado were estimated to be around 60 mph which places it within the F0 range on the Fujita tornado intensity scale.

The tornado initially touched down close to a campground off H. Decker Road. The tornado then traveled northeast across a small lake with minor tree damage observed. An eyewitness reported seeing a swirling mass of debris which was mainly composed of leaves. He also saw a picnic table get lifted up and thrown about 50 yards into the lake. The tornado tracked to the northeast and lifted close to Blueberry Lake in Sanford Township.

There was no significant damage reported to structures from this tornado. The path length was less than one mile with maximum width about 100 yards. Most of the damage from this tornado was to trees.

There was another F0 tornado touchdown along Bean Hill Road in western Broome county Friday, May 31st. There were several trees snapped and twisted consistent with an F0 intensity tornado with maximum wind speeds up to 60 mph. There was no structural damage associated with this tornado even though it passed near a home. This tornado touchdown was likely associated with the same storm which caused more significant damage north of Owego in Tioga county.

Damage photos...Click for larger image

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