Severe Storms Hit Tri-State Area, Cause Widespread Damage

News Summary

Severe storms wreaked havoc across the Tri-State area early Thursday, leading to disrupted airport operations and significant damage in local communities. JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark airports implemented a ground stop, while residents in Greenwood Lake faced destructive winds and hail. Thousands suffered power outages, and local emergency services dealt with multiple calls for help. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as cleanup efforts began, highlighting the community’s resilience in recovering from such natural disasters.

Severe Storms Sweep Through the Tri-State Area, Leaving a Trail of Destruction

JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark airports found themselves in a bit of a pickle early Thursday morning as severe storms raged across the Tri-State area, wreaking havoc and causing some serious disruptions. Just after 10 a.m., a ground stop was instituted at these busy airports, halting all departures until noon. But the turbulence didn’t end there; delays for flights continued throughout the day even after the airspace reopened.

Wind and Hail Create Chaos in Greenwood Lake

Residents in Greenwood Lake weren’t just feeling a little drizzle — they were hit with hail and winds that took down trees faster than a game of dominoes. Witnesses reported that the storm packed a powerful punch, reminiscent of a microburst that left a significant mark. One local recalled a scene that could easily be mistaken for something out of “The Wizard of Oz”. The wind was so strong that it sent the rain falling almost horizontally, making it nearly impossible to see more than a few feet ahead.

Unexpected Road Blocks for School Buses

The chaos didn’t spare the school kids either. Two middle school buses found themselves stuck on impassable roads during the storm. Thankfully, an update confirmed that all students on board were safe, but parents were likely holding their breaths as they waited to hear from the schools.

Know Before You Go: Avoid These Streets

Driving during the storm was a challenge, with several roads reported as unsafe. It was advised to steer clear of Jersey Avenue, East Shore Road, Edgemere Avenue, Waterstone Bridge, and Route 17A if you value your car’s well-being.

Power Outages Affect Thousands

In Yorktown, Westchester County, over 3,000 homes experienced power outages due to the storm. Even Brookside School couldn’t escape the wrath; they had to send students home early after their power went out completely. Local authorities were hard at work trying to clear streets and restore power, keeping residents updated on road closures and safety measures.

No Injuries Reported, but Damage is Serious

Thanks to the quick response of local officials, it was reported that there were no injuries, even after a house was struck by lightning. Town Supervisor Ed Lachterman assured the community that every precaution was being taken as residents were urged to remain indoors and contact emergency services if they found themselves in a bind.

Hamburg Faces Electrical Chaos

Moving over to Hamburg, New Jersey, the storm brought its own set of troubles with damaged electrical lines and roads that were simply too dangerous to navigate. The Orange County Emergency Services stepped in to lend a hand, deploying teams to help with clean-up efforts concerning downed trees and power lines.

Emergency Calls Spike as Residents Reach Out for Help

It wasn’t just damage to homes and vehicles; Orange County 911 received an influx of 34 calls related to the storm, ranging from gas leaks to reports of structural damage. Approximately 2,700 residents were left in the dark, literally, as power outages spread across the area.

Storm Assessment Underway

As if the situation wasn’t hectic enough, Emergency Managers are now on the case, teaming up with the National Weather Service to figure out exactly what type of storm hit. Communities across the Tri-State area are joining together as they navigate the aftermath of this wild weather event.

As cleanup continues, be sure to stay safe, keep your community alerted, and stay updated on any further developments. The Tri-State area has proven once again that it can weather any storm, quite literally!

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Additional Resources

• The State
• Wikipedia: Severe Weather
• News 12 Westchester
• Google Search: Greenwood Lake storm damage
• Index Journal
• Google Scholar: Severe Storm Impacts
• ABC7 NY
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Storm Damage
• KVOE
• Google News: Severe Weather