Ava, New York – A weak but fast-moving tornado carved a 3-mile path through northern Oneida County just before 6 p.m. Thursday, snapping trees and damaging outbuildings in Ava with peak winds reaching 80 mph.
According to the National Weather Service in Binghamton, the EF-0 tornado touched down around 5:57 p.m. and was on the ground for 8 to 9 minutes before lifting at 6:06 p.m. Damage was primarily to trees, with some minor structural damage caused by falling limbs. No injuries or fatalities were reported.
Radar data showed increasing rotation as the storm neared Ava, tightening rapidly just before the tornado formed. The tornado began with wind speeds around 50-60 mph, strengthening to 80 mph near the center of its track before weakening again toward the end. The twister was roughly 100 yards wide.
Emergency crews in northern Oneida County worked through the evening to clear debris from roadways. Residents are urged to report any lingering damage or downed power lines to local officials.
While no additional storms are forecast at this time, the NWS noted that further advisories could be issued if new systems approach the region early next week.
