Severe Thunderstorms Strike Pennsylvania-New York Border Region
Golf ball-sized hail and 70 mph winds battered communities along the Pennsylvania-New York border as severe thunderstorms swept through the region Tuesday evening.
ATHENS, PENNSYLVANIA — Severe thunderstorms with golf ball-sized hail and damaging winds swept across the Pennsylvania-New York border region Tuesday evening, prompting multiple weather warnings from the National Weather Service.
The most intense storm system moved through Athens at 8:29 p.m. EDT Tuesday, traveling east at 45 mph with wind gusts reaching 70 mph, according to the National Weather Service office in Binghamton, New York. The storm produced golf ball-sized hail and posed significant threats to people, animals, and property in its path.
Multiple Communities Under Threat
Weather officials warned that the severe conditions would impact numerous communities across the region. The storm system affected Chemung, Sayre, Athens, Litchfield, Orwell, South Waverly, Windham, Herrick, Rome, and Le Raysville as it moved eastward.
A second severe thunderstorm warning was issued at 8:19 p.m. EDT for a storm located over Ridgebury, near Chemung, also moving east at 45 mph with identical hazards. This system threatened additional areas including Waverly, Ridgebury, Sheshequin, Ulster, and other nearby communities.
Dangerous Conditions and Expected Damage
The National Weather Service warned that people and animals outdoors would be at risk of injury from the large hail. Officials predicted extensive damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles from the golf ball-sized hailstones.
Wind damage was expected to be considerable, with forecasters warning of significant tree damage and likely damage to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings from the 70 mph gusts. The combination of hail and high winds created particularly hazardous conditions for the affected areas.
Earlier Storm Activity
The evening’s severe weather followed earlier storm activity in Michigan, where the National Weather Service Grand Rapids office issued warnings for thunderstorms with 60 mph winds early Tuesday morning. Those storms moved through areas including Eaton Rapids, Union City, Albion, and Homer around 1:00 a.m. EDT.
The Michigan storms also impacted Athens, Duck Lake, Marengo, and Tekonsha as the system moved east at 60 mph during the overnight hours. While these storms produced lower wind speeds than the Pennsylvania-New York system, they still posed risks of damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
All severe thunderstorm warnings expired by their designated times, with the Pennsylvania-New York border storms clearing by 9:15 p.m. EDT Tuesday. Weather radar continued monitoring conditions across the region as the storm systems moved eastward.
