Severe thunderstorms swept through central New York Thursday, hitting areas including Onondaga County and the city of Syracuse with brief but intense weather. Most places saw heavy rain, thunder, lightning, and gusty winds, while other locations reported downe
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Central New York had a very active afternoon and early evening Thursday as severe thunderstorms moved through many areas, including Onondaga County and the city of Syracuse for a brief time.
For most locations, the storm meant pouring rain, thunder, lightning, and gusty winds. But some places didn’t just get wet. Damage reports came in from multiple counties as storms passed.
Near Syracuse in Onondaga County, at least one report of damage was recorded so far. Down south of Syracuse in Cortland County, at least one report of damage was also noted.
Out to the west before the storms arrived in Syracuse, many areas across the Finger Lakes saw trees knocked down from damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph. Additional impacts were reported across parts of Ontario and Yates counties as some trees and utility poles came down, with some blocking roadways.
Just on the edge of the viewing area, a few more reports were received near Tompkins County, including in areas covered by Chemung and Schuyler counties.
The storm’s reach was clear in the number of damage reports gathering into one shared picture. People who were watching the sky could see how quickly the weather shifted—from intense rain and lightning to wind-driven damage that left obstacles on the roads.
The story is still developing as more reports come into the weather office. Those with storm damage photos or video were asked to share them through a chime-in feature so they can be shared on late news and social platforms.
Looking ahead, there may still be a chance for a few severe thunderstorms in the area again on Friday. For the latest forecast, viewers were directed to the Weather Authority page.
central New York CNY severe thunderstorms storm damage Syracuse Onondaga County Cortland County Cayuga County Finger Lakes Ontario County Yates County Tompkins County Chemung County Schuyler County gusty winds 60 mph