State of Emergency Declared in Hancock After Severe Storm Damage, Apparent Tornado

UPDATE: The National Weather Service in Binghamton has confirmed that an EF-1 tornado touched down Saturday evening, July 18, near Sanford in Broome County before tracking southeast through portions of Delaware County and eventually lifting near Hancock.

Path length: 15.69 miles

Maximum width: 300 yards

Estimated peak winds: 95 MPH

Time: 6:12 PM–6:31 PM

Injuries/Fatalities: None reported

The tornado initially caused scattered EF-0 tree damage along Farnham Road before strengthening to EF-1 intensity near NY Route 41, where numerous trees and power lines were snapped or uprooted.

It continued southeast through areas near Old Plank Road, Old Route 17, Hale Eddy and Hancock. Significant tree damage wasn’t reported at the Hancock Golf Course, along with damage to outbuildings and residential porches near the East Branch of the Delaware River.

The same storm later produced a strong microburst northwest of Rock Valley, causing extensive tree damage along a 0.7-mile path. Winds from the microburst were estimated at 105 MPH.

From the Delaware County Board of Supervisors: By order of Mayor Shuan Shannon the Village of Hancock State of Emergency has been lifted. Town of Hancock Supervisor Jerry Vernold has continued the State of Emergency for the township due to extensive tree damage and downed power lines making travel difficult.

Within the Village of Hancock travel may commence, however, officials are asking for
caution as you travel around the Village. There remain several areas where there is
damage and crews continue to work to restore access and power while working with
officials to assess the damage across the Town as a result of the storms.

Throughout the Hancock region crews have worked through the night to clear roads,
restore access and assist residents where damage is evident. In the emergency areas
please be cautious around downed trees, debris areas and damaged structures.

DO NOT approach any downed power lines and report any damage you come across that
is not already being attended to.

DELHI, N.Y. — Officials have declared states of emergency for the Town and Village of Hancock following extensive storm damage that brought down trees and damaged power infrastructure.

According to the Delaware County Board of Supervisors, Town Supervisor Jerry Vernold and Village Mayor Shaun Shannon declared local states of emergency that include an order for no unnecessary travel.

Additionally, due to extensive storm damage from winds and heavy rain the Town of Colchester has issued a travel advisory. Downed trees and power lines may pose a threat to travel at this time.

The emergency orders remain in effect until further notice.

County officials said the damage followed a severe storm and that an apparent tornado touched down in Hancock at approximately 3:38 p.m. yesterday. High winds caused widespread damage to trees and power infrastructure throughout the area.

Officials urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel to allow first responders, highway crews and utility workers to clear roads and restore critical infrastructure.

Residents are also advised not to drive through flooded roadways and to use caution around downed power lines. Anyone experiencing an emergency should call 911.

Image Credit: Weather Wise