Another tornado hits Upstate New York—strongest of the year so far
GENEVA, Upstate New York – A powerful tornado, with wind speeds reaching up to 115 mph, touched down on the afternoon of Monday, July 8, just north of Geneva, carving a destructive path nearly two miles long. According to the National Weather Service in Binghamton, this was the strongest tornado to hit Upstate New York in 2024.
The twister caused significant damage, tearing roofs off two buildings and snapping the trunks of hardwood trees. Meteorologists say the tornado developed due to hot, humid surface air colliding with unstable upper-level winds, a setup often seen during summer months in the Finger Lakes region.
Thankfully, no injuries or fatalities have been reported, but damage assessments are underway in Ontario County. Local emergency crews and utility teams are working to restore power and clear debris from roads and residential properties affected by the storm.
On Monday afternoon, temperatures climbed to 84°F (29°C) with high humidity, under what initially appeared to be mostly sunny skies. However, isolated thunderstorm cells quickly developed between Geneva and Waterloo, creating the right conditions for tornadic activity.
The National Weather Service confirmed that the storm reached EF2 intensity on the Enhanced Fujita scale, meaning winds were between 111 and 135 mph (179–217 km/h). Tornadoes of this strength can rip roofs from homes, uproot mature trees, and toss light vehicles.
This marks the latest in a series of severe weather events to hit Central New York this season, suggesting an unusually active summer for extreme atmospheric conditions. Forecasters will continue to monitor the region closely in the coming days, with a focus on the potential for additional strong thunderstorms.
For Wednesday, July 10, the forecast calls for mostly sunny skies with highs around 84°F (29°C) and continued humidity, especially in the afternoon hours. While no immediate severe storms are expected, weather watches remain in effect for several northern counties.
