Survey Reveals Downburst With 95 MPH Winds in Susquehanna County After Severe Storms

In the aftermath of the severe storms that swept through Susquehanna County on Monday, August 5, the Susquehanna County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) in collaboration with Liberty Township Officials teamed up with the National Weather Service (NWS) in Binghamton to conduct a detailed damage survey of Liberty Township. The survey focused on areas encompassing Mill Road, Camp Road, and Howard Hill Road, aiming to assess the impact of the powerful weather event.

According to the findings of the survey, the thunderstorm that originated in Broome County and moved southeast into Susquehanna County around 5 pm on August 5 intensified as it entered the area.

The storm displayed a distinct core structure, with a 50 dbz core reaching approximately 30,000 feet and a 60 dbz core extending to about 15,000 feet. As the storm traveled through the region, it collapsed over the northeastern part of Susquehanna County, unleashing damaging winds at the surface over a widespread area.

The primary observation from the survey was the confirmation of a downburst, with the maximum wind speeds estimated at a staggering 95 mph. The path of this downburst spanned 2.1 miles at its longest point and reached a maximum width of 1 mile. Fortunately, there were no reported fatalities resulting from the storm.

On Mill Road, where the survey began, initial findings indicated sporadic tree damage, which escalated as the team moved westward down the road. The most severe destruction was documented just north of Mill Road, near the edge of a swamp, where dozens of trees were uprooted and limbs snapped, suggesting wind speeds close to 95 mph. The impact extended south of Mill Road toward the hillside, with numerous uprooted trees and wind estimates ranging from 80 to 90 mph up to the crest of the hill.

At the hill's summit, the surveyors encountered more chaotic damage patterns, characterized by trees falling in various directions with areas of convergence and divergence. Mapping the damage against the topography of the area revealed that the erratic nature of the tree fall was likely a result of the winds reaching the peak of a small ridge. Interestingly, tree damage on the opposite side of the ridge was found to be minimal, indicating the focused nature of the downburst's impact.

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The information presented is based on the initial findings of the damage survey and is subject to change pending final review and publication by the National Weather Service.