Archive: News

Following a preliminary survey of storm damage, Tompkins County Director of Emergency Response Lee Shurtleff reports that, pending final confirmation from field examination by the National Weather Service, it appears that a tornado did in fact touch down in the Town of Danby early Thursday morning.  Shurtleff says Weather Service staff has advised that damage shows a tornado-like appearance and will be working to verify the initial determination, including the specific classification of the storm.

The storm track was in the vicinity of Jersey Hill and Hilltop Roads that extended east/northeast about five miles along Comfort, Danby, Nelson, Ridgecrest Road areas into the Town of Ithaca, and also along East King and the Whitetail subdivision, exiting out in the East King/Coddington Road vicinity.  Accompanying thunderstorms occurred throughout the county with periods of rain and wind.

Director Shurtleff states that no significant wash-outs, continuing road closures, or other public property damage has been identified so far.  The preliminary assessment shows the storm affected around three dozen homes with minor to moderate damage (siding and roofing materials, limbs, electric services pulled out, etc.) and a handful with more severe damage.  This same storm caused severe damage to a half dozen homes in Chemung County.

Shurtleff reports the flooding problems and potential have now eased.  While the ground is still saturated, no significant further water accumulation is expected in the next few days.  However, he cautions that strong winds and gusts are predicted over the next several hours throughout the state, which, if it occurs, will likely take down more trees and wires.

County and town highway crews are out in force cleaning things up, with  some basement pumping details and tree/wire issues being handled by the fire departments.  Utility crews are working throughout area.

Director Shurtleff  reminds residents to stay away from downed wires until it’s proven that they are not live and to be wary of falling trees, which could occur in windy, ground-saturated conditions.

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