Record number of tornadoes in July for NYS

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — On average New York State averages about 9 confirmed tornadoes per year.

Seven tornadoes alone were confirmed on July 10, 2024, as the remnants of what was once Hurricane Beryl slid over New York State.

Another 9 have been confirmed since then bringing the running total for July to 16 tornadoes, 18 for the year thus far.

This is the highest number of reported tornadoes in New York State for the month of July since records began in 1950. The previous record was 13 tornadoes in 1992.

The strongest tornado was the EF-2 that destroyed the city of Rome with max estimated wind speeds of 135 mph.

So why are there so many tornadoes?

It seems to be the norm that when there is the threat of severe weather in Central New York, it will likely come with a risk of tornadoes.

Why is the question?

Honestly, it’s tough to pinpoint a cause.

If we look at just 2024 alone, there are some legitimate reasons why the NewsChannel 9 Storm Team believes there has been a rise in the number of twisters.

1. High amounts of heat and humidity in the atmosphere
2. The remnants of a tropical system moved over Central New York
3. A stronger jet stream located over CNY whose strength could be tied to the strong El Nino experienced this past winter

Get the full Storm Team forecast here.

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