A cold front moving through Central New York sparked showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon of the 23rd. Some of these storms became severe and produced mainly tree damage.
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.
A cold front moving through Central New York sparked showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon of the 23rd. Some of these storms became severe and produced mainly tree damage.
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 Jul 23, 12:45 PM EST, 28 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Binghamton NY 145 PM EDT Thu Jul 23 2020 .SYNOPSIS... A cold front moving southeast through New York northeast Pennsylvania will bring showers and thunderstorms to our area today into this evening. High pressure will build into the region Friday, bringing dry weather that lasts into Sunday. && .NEAR TERM /THROUGH FRIDAY/... 1245 PM Update... Surface boundary is bisecting the area roughly along a line from Penn Yan to Utica. The thick cloud cover we had earlier this morning is now becoming broken cumulus across the region, which is allow for decent heating and destabilization. Noon temperatures are now mostly in the upper 70s to lower 80s areawide and surface dew points are still elevated between 68-72F. Meso analysis shows right around 1000 J/Kg of MLCAPE across all of CNY and NE PA at this time, with effective layer shear ranging from 30-40 kts. Storms are just beginning to develop along the boundary across Yates and Steuben County at this time. Expecting activity to become more numerous by mid to late afternoon across much of the region. New day 1 convective outlook from SPC has expanded the slight risk region back to Chemung county in the Twin Tiers and now covers all of our NE PA counties. SPC also lowered the threat, with no severe weather now expected northwest of a Seneca Falls---Syracuse--Rome line. 1040 AM Update... Cloud cover is slowly beginning to break up across the Finger Lakes and north-central NY this morning as drier mid level air works in from the northwest. This will allow more heating to take place over the next several hours, which will enhance instability. High dew points in the lower 70s will combine with temperatures in the low to mid-80s this afternoon to produce MLCAPE values between 1000-1500...and perhaps as high as 2000 J/kg across parts of NE PA. A shortwave disturbance currently across western NY will move into our region during the afternoon hours helping to enhance the effective layer shear...likely into the 25-35 kt range. Latest CAMS and radar trends are in good agreement that numerous showers and thunderstorms will develop across CNY midday or early afternoon and slowly drift south into the Southern Tier and then NE PA by late afternoon and early evening. Forecast soundings also show high values of DCAPE (around 1000-1200 J/Kg) and inverted V type soundings due to the aforementioned dry mid level air advection. Therefore, do think there is potential for a few storms to be strong to severe across the region this afternoon and evening. The most likely area to watch for severe storms and possible damaging winds will be the Twin Tiers, NE PA and western Catskills. Cannot rule out some hail in a few storms as well, considering high EL levels up to 45K ft agl and high levels of CAPE in the hail growth zone. PWATS remain high in the 1.6 to 1.8 inch range, and storms may train over the same locations as the front only very slowly drifts south this afternoon. Therefore, will also be watching for some storms to produce heavy downpours which could cause some localized ponding of water or other hydro issues. 3 am update... Little change to the forecast. The threat of severe weather continues for this afternoon into the evening with the best chance in the far southeast which includes Delaware/Sullivan Counties in NY and Wayne/Pike Counties in PA. Here the Storm Prediction Center has a slight chance and marginal everywhere else. Main threat is damaging winds. Surface low pressure in northeast NY will move east and drag a cold front through the area this afternoon and evening. There are some showers along it now in the Finger Lakes and western Mohawk Valley. The front will move slowly at first then pick up speed later today. Aloft a short wave and trough will move southeast behind the surface front. Ahead of the front the atmosphere will have time to warm into the 80s while dewpoints remain around 70. Precipitable water is also high between 1.5 and 2". Storm motion will be slow so localized rain amounts could exceed an inch again this afternoon. Surface instability will exceed 1k CAPE and deep bulk shear is again around 30 kts. CAMs not agreeing on strength, timing and coverage of convection. Most likely storms start increasing in intensity early afternoon as they move southeast to Elmira to Morrisville NY. And continue to strengthen as they move southeast. With some mid level dry air some large hail possible over the western Catskills. The shower and thunderstorms drift southeast and out of the area with the front Thursday evening. Drier air comes in so temperatures will fall into the low and mid 60s. Friday removed most of the chance of showers with little moisture and forcing. Skies become mostly sunny and winds are light northwest. High temperatures return to the low and mid 80s. && .SHORT TERM /FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY NIGHT/... 1130 am Update... Raised temperatures slightly Saturday with models trending towards a drier airmass in place. High pressure will still be in place into Monday. 350 AM Update... Ridging will build across the region through the weekend with humidity and heat on the rise again by Sunday. Surface high pressure will remain overhead through the period and the area should remain dry. && .LONG TERM /MONDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY/... 400 AM Update... Ridging starts to break down Sunday night as a cold front drops out of Ontario, Canada. Shower and thunderstorm activity will increase through the day Monday with the approaching front. A moist and unstable airmass is expected out ahead of the front, with GEFS PWAT anomaly showing values around 2 standard deviations above normal. However, model consensus for the timing of the front is fairly early in the day on Monday, so unless the timing is pushed back until later in the day, the severe threat should be low. An upper trough will slowly push eastward and over the Northeast U.S. Conditions will likely remain unsettled through the remainder of the period under the influence of the upper trough, but the best instability exits with the cold front Monday night, so severe thunderstorm threat should be low. && .AVIATION /18Z THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/... 130 PM Update... A surface front is just south of KSYR and KRME at 18z. KSYR and KRME should therefore be mainly dry over the next 24 hours. South of here, for the rest of the TAF sites, scattered showers and thunderstorms are now developing. These showers and storms could impact the TAF sites mainly between 18-22z this afternoon...except a little later perhaps lasting until 00z at KAVP. If these storms go over a terminal expect brief IFR vsby restrictions with heavy rain and gusty/erratic winds. Included a tempo group in the tafs to cover this potential. The showers should taper off and end after sunset for most locations. Then, with humid conditions lingering expect some lower MVFR stratus and patchy fog to develop overnight. Some uncertainty remains on just how restrictive this fog may be, especially for KELM. The stratus and valley fog should dissipate by mid-morning Friday, with conditions returning to VFR. West-southwest winds 5-10 kts this afternoon. Winds turn light northerly or variable overnight, less than 5 kts. Northerly winds continue into Friday, 5-10 kts. Outlook... Friday through Sunday Night...Mainly VFR. Early morning fog and associated restrictions possible, especially at KELM. Monday and Tuesday...Scattered showers and thunderstorms possible. May lead to some restrictions at times. && .BGM WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... PA...None. NY...None. && SYNOPSIS...TAC NEAR TERM...MJM/TAC SHORT TERM...AJG/MPK LONG TERM...MPK AVIATION...MJM
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Binghamton NY 1235 PM EDT Thu Jul 23 2020 NYZ015>018-022-023-036-037-241645- Yates-Seneca-Southern Cayuga-Onondaga-Steuben-Schuyler-Madison- Southern Oneida- 1235 PM EDT Thu Jul 23 2020 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central New York. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. There is a marginal risk for severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening. The main threats are isolated damaging winds, hail, and heavy rainfall. Be sure to check the latest forecast updates and have multiple ways to receive watches and warnings if severe weather approaches your location. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday. There is a low probability for widespread hazardous weather. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures. Please relay any information about severe weather to the NWS while following local, state and CDC guidelines. NYZ024-025-044>046-055>057-062-PAZ038>040-043-044-047-048-072-241645- Chemung-Tompkins-Cortland-Chenango-Otsego-Tioga-Broome-Delaware- Sullivan-Bradford-Susquehanna-Northern Wayne-Wyoming-Lackawanna- Luzerne-Pike-Southern Wayne- 1235 PM EDT Thu Jul 23 2020 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central New York and northeast Pennsylvania. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. There is a slight risk for severe thunderstorms Thursday afternoon and evening. The main threats are isolated damaging winds, large hail, and heavy rainfall. Be sure to check the latest forecast updates and have multiple ways to receive watches and warnings if severe weather approaches your location. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures. Please relay any information about severe weather to the NWS while following local, state and CDC guidelines. NYZ009-241645- Northern Oneida- 1235 PM EDT Thu Jul 23 2020 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central New York. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Binghamton NY
1256 PM EDT Thu Jul 23 2020
NYZ015-016-022>024-231800-
Steuben NY-Chemung NY-Seneca NY-Yates NY-Schuyler NY-
1256 PM EDT Thu Jul 23 2020
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL AFFECT SOUTHERN SENECA...SCHUYLER...
YATES...NORTHWESTERN CHEMUNG...AND NORTHEASTERN STEUBEN COUNTIES
UNTIL 200 PM EDT...
At 1254 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking clusters of strong
thunderstorms along a line extending from near Yatesville to
Prattsburg. Movement was east at 20 mph.
Winds between 30 and 40 mph will be possible with these storms.
Locations impacted include...
Penn Yan, Hector, Starkey, Urbana, Covert, Potter, Watkins Glen,
Catharine, Dundee and Montour Falls.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
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.
Additional statements will be issued as conditions warrant.
&&
LAT...LON 4271 7722 4267 7668 4261 7666 4257 7662
4255 7664 4255 7670 4246 7669 4222 7684
4247 7738
TIME...MOT...LOC 1654Z 289DEG 16KT 4267 7718 4249 7729
ButtsSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Binghamton NY
146 PM EDT Thu Jul 23 2020
NYZ025-055-231815-
Tioga NY-Tompkins NY-
146 PM EDT Thu Jul 23 2020
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL AFFECT NORTHWESTERN TIOGA AND SOUTHERN
TOMPKINS COUNTIES UNTIL 215 PM EDT...
At 144 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong
thunderstorms near Newfield, or 8 miles east of Odessa, moving east
at 30 mph.
Strong wind gusts will be possible with this storm. Downpours of
heavy rain will also be possible.
Locations impacted include...
Newfield, Danby, Caroline, South Danby, Brooktondale, Slaterville
Springs, Willseyville, West Danby, Speedville and West Newark.
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.
Occasional 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.
Additional statements will be issued as conditions warrant.
&&
LAT...LON 4238 7668 4241 7622 4224 7622 4230 7669
4237 7669
TIME...MOT...LOC 1744Z 269DEG 26KT 4233 7663
ButtsSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Binghamton NY
159 PM EDT Thu Jul 23 2020
NYZ023-025-044-055-231900-
Cortland NY-Schuyler NY-Tioga NY-Tompkins NY-
159 PM EDT Thu Jul 23 2020
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL AFFECT NORTHEASTERN SCHUYLER...
SOUTHWESTERN CORTLAND...NORTHERN TIOGA...AND TOMPKINS COUNTIES UNTIL
300 PM EDT...
At 158 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Perry City, to near Enfield, to near
Odessa. Movement was east at 25 mph.
Winds in excess of 40 mph and heavy downpours of rain will be
possible with these storms.
Locations impacted include...
Ithaca, Newfield, Cayuga Heights, Lansing, Enfield, Danby, Caroline,
Dryden, Trumansburg and Berkshire.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Heavy rainfall is also occurring with these storms, and may lead to
minor flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms.
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.
Additional statements will be issued as conditions warrant.
&&
LAT...LON 4243 7678 4255 7673 4255 7666 4247 7615
4243 7612 4241 7613 4229 7611 4227 7608
4226 7610 4224 7609 4215 7625 4227 7654
4228 7654 4239 7683
TIME...MOT...LOC 1758Z 287DEG 22KT 4249 7665 4241 7668 4238 7673
ButtsSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Binghamton NY
205 PM EDT Thu Jul 23 2020
NYZ046-231845-
Otsego NY-
205 PM EDT Thu Jul 23 2020
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT NORTHEASTERN OTSEGO COUNTY
UNTIL 245 PM EDT...
At 205 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Springfield, or 10 miles northeast of Cooperstown, moving east at 25
mph.
Winds between 30 and 40 mph will be possible with this storm.
Locations impacted include...
Springfield, Cherry Valley, Salt Springville, Glimmerglass State Park
and East Springfield.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Occasional 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.
Additional statements will be issued as conditions warrant.
&&
LAT...LON 4279 7493 4283 7492 4283 7489 4290 7488
4283 7465 4276 7467 4270 7465 4268 7465
TIME...MOT...LOC 1805Z 286DEG 20KT 4283 7482
ButtsThe Binghamton radar (KBGM), 50 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 18:13 UTC.
12 thunderstorm wind, 1 lightning. Local standard time, as filed.
Strong thunderstorm winds brought down a tree.
Strong thunderstorm winds brought down trees.
Strong thunderstorm winds brought down a tree.
Strong thunderstorm winds brought down trees.
Strong thunderstorm winds brought down wires on Canterberry Drive.
Strong thunderstorm winds brought down a tree on wires.
Strong thunderstorm winds brought down a power line on Mills Avenue.
Strong thunderstorm winds brought down a tree across a road.
Strong thunderstorm winds brought down a tree on wires.
Lightning from a thunderstorm struck a tree and wires, which caused a fire off of Old Vestal Road.
Strong thunderstorm winds brought down a tree across Route 79.
Strong thunderstorm winds brought down a pole and wires on Clinton Street.
Strong thunderstorm winds brought down a tree.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in New York in 2020Every state in 2020This day in weather historyWarnings in New York, July 2020
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: 913142, 913144, 913143, 913145, 913149, 913146, 913147, 913148, 913153, 913150, 913151, 913152, 913155.