NWS Confirms EF-1 Tornado Hit Broome and Delaware Counties

The National Weather Service in Binghamton has confirmed a tornado touched down in Broome County on the evening of Saturday, July 18, cutting a path of damage that stretched for miles before lifting near the New York-Pennsylvania border.

Initial Touchdown in Sanford: EF-0 Damage Reported

According to a preliminary local storm report issued by NWS Binghamton, the tornado first touched down along Farnham Road about three miles south-southwest of Sanford at 6:12 p.m. Saturday. The storm started at EF-0 strength, snapping and uprooting trees along the road. An old barn sustained minor damage, and a gazebo was lifted into a nearby pond.

EF-1 Winds Up to 95 MPH Hit Route 41 and Oquaga Creek

As the tornado approached New York State Route 41, survey teams found it had intensified to EF-1 strength, with estimated wind speeds reaching 95 mph. Numerous trees and power lines were snapped or uprooted in this stretch. After crossing Oquaga Creek, the tornado caused additional EF-1 level damage along Farnham Road and Old Plank Road, including a tree that fell onto a car. On Farnham Road, one home had its metal skirting torn out from underneath it.

Tornado Path Crosses Route 17 and Whittacker Swamp State Forest

The tornado tracked southeast over a hill, running roughly parallel to Old Plank Road and Old Route 17, where damage eased back to EF-0 level with lighter, scattered tree damage. It continued on a south and east path and crossed State Route 17 just west of exit 83. From there, it moved over the inaccessible Whittacker Swamp State Forest, where survey crews said damage likely continued but couldn't be fully assessed. Visible tree damage was still evident on the hillside just west of River Road and State Highway 17.

Delaware County Impact: Hale Eddy, Delaware River, and Hancock Golf Course

The storm kept moving southeast, causing light damage as it passed through the hamlet of Hale Eddy. More tree damage turned up across the Delaware River along Penn York Road. The tornado crossed Route 17 a second time and moved through the town of Hancock, where it caused significant tree damage at the Hancock Golf Course.

Storm Re-intensifies to EF-1 Near Peas Eddy Road Before Lifting

After crossing County Highway 268 and the East Branch of the Delaware River, the tornado restrengthened to EF-1. Survey teams documented significant tree damage along the river's south bank, as well as damage to outbuildings and porches at nearby residences. The tornado finally lifted just southeast of Peas Eddy Road as it moved up a hillside.

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NWS Binghamton Updates and Full Storm Survey Details

The report is preliminary, and NWS Binghamton's full damage survey may update details on the tornado's exact path, timing, and intensity as more information comes in.

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Gallery Credit: KATELYN LEBOFF