Showers and thunderstorms developed along a lingering boundary that was stretched across New York and Pennsylvania Friday afternoon. These storms developed within a very unstable air mass.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS BGM wrote it up.
Showers and thunderstorms developed along a lingering boundary that was stretched across New York and Pennsylvania Friday afternoon. These storms developed within a very unstable air mass. Once these storms developed, they quickly moved east and some of the storms became severe producing damaging winds and large hail.
The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Binghamton, NY wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at May 30, 1:40 PM EST, 1 hour 35 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Binghamton NY 240 PM EDT Tue May 30 2017 .SYNOPSIS... Showers and thunderstorms will be found across the area this afternoon. Some of the storms could be strong to severe, especially from the Twin Tiers northward. Another round of showers and storms is expected Wednesday. Briefly quiet weather will occur Thursday before more rain Friday, and an unsettled pattern into the weekend. && .NEAR TERM /THROUGH WEDNESDAY/... 1245 PM Update... Severe Thunderstorm Watch now in effect until 8 PM for Bradford County PA, and for all of our Central NY counties except Delaware-Sullivan. Convective development underway, and even in a smaller storm that popped up in Avoca NY about a half hour ago, there was already pea sized hail. 1145 AM Update... A weak wave managed to fire a morning round of convection from the Twin Tiers northeastward. With freezing level down to about 10 kft agl and minus-20 Celsius just a hair above 20 kft agl, we did get a couple reports of pea sized hail as it came through. A thin axis of showers and some thunder still persists along the differential heating boundary, between solid stratus/cool conditions in most of Northeast PA to Catskills, and the partial sunshine/greater heating in the Finger Lakes to Syracuse-Mohawk Valley areas. However, the main focus as to potential for severe weather will be with anticipated newly forming convection that should begin sprouting in western NY to central PA in just the next couple hours or so with shortwave passage and diurnal heating coinciding. High resolution models have come into good agreement on a broken line or two of thunderstorms sweeping across Finger Lakes to Central NY this afternoon, and progressing across the rest of the region late afternoon-early evening while losing intensity due to less instability from lack of heating. Our local severe weather analog tool brings up a couple of larger hail events and sporadic wind events. Shear is top-heavy, that is especially in the 3-6 km layer with equilibrium level storm relative flow greater than 50 knots. This along with freezing to minus-20 Celsius levels on the lower side seems to point that hail is indeed a threat today, not just wind. We will have to watch the more intense cores of any individual supercellular- form cells for hail, as well as possible bowing segments within any lines for wind. Convective Available Potential Energy is not as high as more prolific hail cases, and there is a lack of dry air in the mid levels. So while marginally severe hail of quarter size is doable, very large hail may be more difficult to achieve. Also, we will be in right exit region of the upper jet, which may be a limiting factor. Previous discussion... Main concerns in the near term are focused around the onset of scattered showers this morning...the initiation of strong to possibly severe convection this afternoon...and another round of showers and storms Wednesday. A deepening upper trough over the Great Lakes and an embedded s/w within the synoptic flow will supply the necessary upper level support for broad large scale lift today. A weak surface boundary will move in from the west and allow convective initiation to begin along and ahead of this front. Warm air advection in the mid levels and CAA aloft will modify mid level lapse rates favorably for destabilization aloft. There is still some uncertainty with respect to the sfc/boundary layer instability. A layer of low level stratus has formed across a good portion of central NY and ne PA this morning, and there is still some question as to when/if this will lift and scatter out. The intensity and extent of the convection will weigh heavily on this stable layer and when it mixes out. An initial area of showers and weak storms currently over wrn NY/PA is expected to move through this morning from sw to ne and dissipate rather quickly as it moves through the forecast area into e-central NY. These showers may prove useful in mixing this stable layer up enough to begin the scattering out process early. If that doesn't occur, and the stratus layer remains in place into the late morning and early afternoon. The amount of surface instability will be rather limited, and therefore hinder the potential intensity of convection later in the day. The showers and storms are expected to develop and move in after 1-2pm in w-central NY. The mid levels will become unstable and if the surface layer remains stable much of the convection may become rooted above the ML...and gradually mix down to the surface...and slowly eat away at the stratus as it moves ewd. However, if the stable clouds mix out earlier, the convection along the front will be able to initiate in the boundary layer and potentially tap into more instability...creating more favorable conditions for strong to possibly severe storms. Deep layer shear profiles and the potential for up to 1500 J/kg of CAPE will allow storms to mature and produce large hail and damaging winds along with brief heavy rain. If we don't realize that amt of CAPE, will likely only see small hail and gusty winds. PWATs around 1 inch will still allow for brief heavy rain into the evening. As much as 1 inch of rain is possible. Either way, we'll see storms later today, it is just a matter of how strong they become. SPC has upgraded our area to a slight risk with the latest Day 1 convective outlook. A few post frontal rain showers may exist tonight into early Wed morning, but the overall trend should be to dry things out...at least for a brief period. The next s/w will rotate through the region during the day Wednesday...and once again be able to tap into strong upper level dynamics and at least a minimal amount of instability. Lapse rates may be a bit steeper as a push of cold air aloft arrives and a late May sun warms the boundary layer. Deep moisture will be less, so the threat for heavy rain should be minimal. The primary concern will be gusty winds with these storms. Temperatures today and Wednesday will be able to climb into the upper 60s and lower/mid 70s. && .SHORT TERM /WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY/... High pressure builds in Wednesday night beneath the big upper low over western Ontario. This will bring drier air but continued cool as the NW flow remains. High noses in on Thursday but with the continuing NW flow and cool pool aloft clouds and a light shower still possible, especially over the north. Ridging breaks down during Friday as yet another wave rotates through the upper low. This will increase the chance of showers late in the day. && .LONG TERM /FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY/... Really no break in the cool and unsettled pattern through the long term. High pressure over Canada builds in briefly on Saturday bringing dry weather and clearing skies. Models show a big low blowing up over the southern Great Lakes as a sharp upper wave drops in. This system will be tapping some deep southern stream moisture and could bring some heavier rains Sunday into early Monday with cooler air and scattered showers continuing through the end of the period. && .AVIATION /19Z TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/... For KAVP-KBGM-KRME, stratus has yielded persistent ceiling restrictions prior to 18Z, but focus is now on inbound thunderstorms. They will cross the terminals roughly WSW to ESE and could contain gusty winds and brief fuel alternate/IFR conditions. Hail is even possible if a core passes directly over a terminal. KELM- KITH- KSYR will be impacted first by the storms, then KRME-KBGM. There is somewhat less certainty on the thunderstorms reaching KAVP between 21Z and 00Z, yet it is still more probable than not. In the wake of the storms, with a good amount of lingering low level moisture, KBGM-KELM-KAVP will end up developing new ceiling and/or fog-related restrictions late tonight into early Wednesday morning; possibly other terminals as well. Though higher gusts are possible in thunderstorms this afternoon, winds in general will be southerly around 10 knots this afternoon, then becoming light and more variable tonight followed by light southwest in the morning. Outlook... Wednesday afternoon through early evening...Restrictions possible from scattered showers and thunderstorms. Wednesday night through Thursday...VFR except for possible valley fog predawn hours at KELM. Friday through Sunday...Potential restrictions in occasional rain showers. && .BGM WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... PA...None. NY...None. && SYNOPSIS...BJT/MDP NEAR TERM...BJT/MDP SHORT TERM...DGM LONG TERM...DGM AVIATION...MDP
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Binghamton NY 1244 PM EDT Tue May 30 2017 NYZ057-062-PAZ039-040-043-044-047-048-072-311645- Delaware-Sullivan-Susquehanna-Northern Wayne-Wyoming-Lackawanna- Luzerne-Pike-Southern Wayne- 1244 PM EDT Tue May 30 2017 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central New York and northeast Pennsylvania. .DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight. Thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon and a few of these storms could become severe with damaging winds and large hail the main threat. Brief heavy rain will also be possible in any thunderstorms. The most favorable time for storms will be during the afternoon and evening. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday. Another round of storms is possible Wednesday. A few of these storms could become strong to severe with damaging winds the main threat. The most favorable time for storms will be during the afternoon and evening. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation may be necessary later today. NYZ009-015>018-022>025-036-037-044>046-055-056-PAZ038-311645- Northern Oneida-Yates-Seneca-Southern Cayuga-Onondaga-Steuben- Schuyler-Chemung-Tompkins-Madison-Southern Oneida-Cortland-Chenango- Otsego-Tioga-Broome-Bradford- 1244 PM EDT Tue May 30 2017 ...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 299 IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central New York and northeast Pennsylvania. .DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Severe Thunderstorm Watch. Thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon and a few of these storms could become severe with damaging winds and large hail the main threat. Brief heavy rain will also be possible in any thunderstorms. The most favorable time for storms will be during the afternoon and evening. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday. Another round of storms is possible Wednesday. A few of these storms could become strong to severe with damaging winds the main threat. The most favorable time for storms will be during the afternoon and evening. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Binghamton NY
1246 PM EDT TUE MAY 30 2017
NYZ022-301715-
Steuben NY-
1246 PM EDT TUE MAY 30 2017
...STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT...NORTHWESTERN STEUBEN COUNTY
UNTIL 115 PM EDT...
At 1246 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Arkport, or near Hornell, moving northeast at 30 mph.
Nickel size hail will be possible with this storm.
Locations impacted include...
Hornell, Wayland, Arkport, Cohocton, North Hornell, South Dansville,
Haskinville, Prattsburg, Perkinsville and Stony Brook State Park.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Heavy rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may lead to
minor flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.
&&
A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 800 PM EDT for
central New York.
LAT...LON 4241 7772 4252 7772 4254 7770 4254 7766
4257 7766 4258 7765 4258 7734 4252 7726
4228 7767 4233 7774
TIME...MOT...LOC 1646Z 224DEG 26KT 4240 7769
DGMSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Binghamton NY
104 PM EDT TUE MAY 30 2017
NYZ022-301745-
Steuben NY-
104 PM EDT TUE MAY 30 2017
...STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT...SOUTHWESTERN STEUBEN COUNTY
UNTIL 145 PM EDT...
At 104 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Genesee, or 12 miles southeast of Wellsville, moving northeast at 40
mph.
Nickel size hail will be possible with this storm.
Locations impacted include...
Hornell, Canisteo, Howard, Jasper, Cameron, Greenwood, Hartsville,
West Cameron, Young Hickory and Willeyville.
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 800 PM EDT for
central New York.
LAT...LON 4224 7774 4241 7759 4225 7730 4200 7762
4200 7775
TIME...MOT...LOC 1704Z 218DEG 35KT 4196 7785
DGMSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Binghamton NY
119 PM EDT TUE MAY 30 2017
NYZ015-022-301745-
Steuben NY-Yates NY-
119 PM EDT TUE MAY 30 2017
...STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT...NORTHWESTERN YATES AND
NORTHWESTERN STEUBEN COUNTIES UNTIL 145 PM EDT...
At 119 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
South Dansville, or near I-390 Exit 4, moving northeast at 40 mph.
Dime size hail will be possible with this storm.
Locations impacted include...
Wayland, Middlesex, Cohocton, South Dansville, Vine Valley,
Perkinsville, Stony Brook State Park and Atlanta.
A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 800 PM EDT for
central New York.
LAT...LON 4253 7772 4254 7766 4258 7765 4258 7750
4259 7737 4267 7737 4267 7736 4273 7734
4276 7731 4276 7729 4271 7720 4238 7762
4245 7773
TIME...MOT...LOC 1719Z 218DEG 33KT 4251 7766
DGMSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Binghamton NY
310 PM EDT TUE MAY 30 2017
NYZ015-016-301945-
Seneca NY-Yates NY-
310 PM EDT TUE MAY 30 2017
...STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT...NORTHWESTERN SENECA AND NORTHERN
YATES COUNTIES UNTIL 345 PM EDT...
At 310 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Potter, or 8 miles northwest of Penn Yan, moving northeast at 50 mph.
Nickel size hail will be possible with this storm.
Locations impacted include...
Seneca Falls, Waterloo, Penn Yan, Fayette, Benton, Potter, Middlesex,
Tyre, Rushville and Cayuga.
LAT...LON 4275 7733 4276 7731 4276 7698 4287 7698
4287 7696 4301 7697 4302 7675 4300 7672
4296 7674 4284 7672 4259 7720 4272 7735
TIME...MOT...LOC 1910Z 230DEG 43KT 4272 7721
DGMSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Binghamton NY
414 PM EDT TUE MAY 30 2017
NYZ009-018-036-037-302115-
Onondaga NY-Southern Oneida NY-Madison NY-Northern Oneida NY-
414 PM EDT TUE MAY 30 2017
...STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT...SOUTHWESTERN ONEIDA...
NORTHWESTERN MADISON AND NORTHEASTERN ONONDAGA COUNTIES UNTIL 515 PM
EDT...
At 413 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Galeville, or over Syracuse, moving east at 25 mph.
Half inch hail and winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with
this storm.
This strong thunderstorm will be near...
Lyndon around 425 PM EDT.
Manlius around 430 PM EDT.
Kirkville and Bridgeport around 435 PM EDT.
Sullivan and Chittenango around 450 PM EDT.
Canastota around 500 PM EDT.
Lenox and Vienna around 510 PM EDT.
Oneida and Verona around 515 PM EDT.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Heavy rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may lead to
minor flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
If on or near a lake, get out of the water and move indoors or inside
a vehicle. Remember, lightning can strike out to 10 miles from the
parent thunderstorm. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to
be struck by lightning. Move to safe shelter now! Do not be caught on
the water in a thunderstorm.
&&
LAT...LON 4299 7553 4298 7625 4315 7627 4319 7602
4318 7601 4318 7594 4316 7592 4315 7589
4321 7587 4326 7558
TIME...MOT...LOC 2013Z 263DEG 21KT 4308 7615
TACThe Ft Drum radar (KTYX), 82 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 20:12 UTC.
2 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
A thunderstorm moved across the region and became severe. This thunderstorm produced severe winds and uprooted numerous trees in Woodlawn Cemetery. Gravestones were damaged by this storm.
A thunderstorm moved across the region and became severe. This thunderstorm produced severe winds and knocked over trees which fell on two homes.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in New York in 2017Every state in 2017This day in weather historyWarnings in New York, May 2017
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 703843, 703844.