Strong Wind — Southern Herkimer, New York

2024-08-09 · Southern Herkimer, New York

Event narrative

A local Amateur Radio Operator sent numerous reports of downed trees and wires throughout southern Herkimer County due to strong winds. Many instances of downed trees led to road blockages. There were also a couple of instances where trees fell on personal property including a home and RV. The Department of Highways also reported a pole down on Route 8 between Dan Davis Road and Hurricane Road near Cold Brook.

Wider weather episode

On August 9, 2024, remnants of Tropical Storm Debby impacted eastern New York, bringing periods of heavy rain and gusty winds. Total rainfall accumulations generally ranged from about 1-4 with several instances of flash flooding in the Capital District and isolated instances in the Eastern Catskills and Upper-Hudson Valley. Non-thunderstorm wind gusts throughout eastern New York peaked between about 35-50 mph, leading to numerous reports of tree and power line damage especially in Herkimer and Washington Counties. Nearly 25,000 power outages can also be attributed to strong winds or resulting downed trees and wires with Warren County being the most impacted with nearly 6400 people without power. Additionally, an EF0 tornado was confirmed by NWS Storm Survey in Ulster County. Hardwood trees were uprooted along the NYS Thruway near exit 18 as a result.

Governor Kathy Hochul declared a State of Emergency in the afternoon of Friday, August 9th due to extensive flooding, thunderstorms and tornadoes across the state.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1214369. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.