Strong Wind — Northern Washington, New York

2024-08-09 · Northern Washington, New York

Event narrative

There were numerous reports of downed trees and wires throughout Washington County due to strong winds. Many instances of downed trees and wires led to road blockages. Additionally, a couple of reports stated that trees had been downed onto residences.

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 1214682. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.