Damaging Winds in New York, September 27, 1998

A fast moving line of thunderstorms intensified to severe limits as it pushed east-southeastward across the county early in the afternoon. Widespread wind damage was the result. Numerous trees and wires were downed in Hornell as the storm moved through that area just after 100 pm EDT. Thereafter, the storms continued to leave a legacy of downed trees and power lines through Howard and Cameron Townships. Around 130 pm EDT, severe thunderstorms ripped through the town of Corning. The north side of town was hardest hit with dozens of trees toppled and some minor structural damage inflicted to homes from falling tree limbs.

The same line of thunderstorms that produced damage across Steuben county continued eastward into Chemung county and maintained its intensity. More wind damage resulted in the greater Elmira area. Many trees were uprooted or blown down in an area from Horseheads south and southeast towards East Elmira. Several traffic lights were also dislodged, forcing the closure of a few roads for a brief time period. One home in East Elmira sustained minor damage as a large tree crashed through a portion of a separated garage.

Severe thunderstorms that produced wind damage upstream in both Steuben and Chemung counties contined into Tioga county and clipped southern sections near the state line. Isolated reports of wind damage were received from North Waverly eastward towards Nichols between 215 and 230 pm EDT. Most of the damage took the form of downed trees and power lines. Road signs were also toppled near Nichols.