One dead after microburst hits popular NY campsite. What we know now

A woman was killed after a severe storm struck a popular New York campground on Sunday.

Initial reports suggested that a tornado had touched down in the area. However, the National Weather Service in Binghamton confirmed that the storm was a microburst , not a tornado, with winds reaching 90 mph about one mile northwest of Cooks Falls.

The microburst tore through the Russell Brook Campsites in Delaware County, near the Sullivan County border, around 10:35 a.m. Sunday. According to the Weather Service, many RVs, campers, tents, and several cars were heavily damaged. An unidentified woman died when the storm snapped a large tree that fell on her campsite. A second person was also injured, authorities said.

Severe storm causes significant damage in Roscoe, New York

The storm caused significant damage in areas near Roscoe, which is in northeastern Sullivan County, extending into Delaware County. The Eastern Dutchess County Fire Rescue department posted on Facebook just after noon Sunday, stating that first responders were sent to a mass casualty event at the Russell Brook campground, with reports of multiple people trapped in cabins and at least one person dead. The post mentioned a "tornado touchdown."

Where is Roscoe, New York?

Roscoe is a hamlet within the town of Rockland in Sullivan County, New York, known for its picturesque nature landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities. It’s near the junction of Route 17 and Route 206, about a 2.5-hour drive northwest of New York City.

Where is Russell Brook Campsites located in New York?

Russell Brook campground is located in the western Catskills, near the Beaverkill River. According to the seasonal business's website, it is a popular spot for campers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. The campground is in Delaware County, near the Sullivan County border, just north of Route 17.

Tornadoes in New York: A history of twisters

Since 1950, New York has experienced over 500 tornadoes, with the majority being relatively weak EF0 and EF1 twisters. However, the state has also seen a few significant tornado events, including the devastating tornado outbreak of May 31, 1985, which produced several powerful tornadoes, including an EF4 in Chenango County. While tornadoes are less common in New York compared to regions like the Midwest, they remain a notable and occasionally destructive aspect of the state's weather history.

NY tornado database: See the state's worst twisters in history

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has tracked tornadoes in New York since 1950, providing data on their paths and impact. This interactive map , featuring tornado data from January 1950, offers detailed information including damage estimates and any injuries or fatalities caused by recent tornadoes. Check out the tornado database now.

Contributing: USA Today Network reporter J. Staas Haught

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: One dead after microburst hits popular NY campsite. What we know now