Staff Report / September 4, 2026
Seneca County – The National Weather Service in Binghamton has released new damage assessment details regarding two tornadoes that touched down in Seneca County on Wednesday evening, September 2.
Meteorologists confirmed that an EF2 tornado struck the Town of Fayette, packing peak winds of 115 mph. Meanwhile, a second, EF1 tornado hit the Waterloo area with winds reaching 95 mph. In addition to tornadic activity, officials reported widespread straight-line wind damage along both storm paths. The New York State Mesonet weather station in Seneca Falls recorded a hurricane-force wind gust of 76 mph during the storm system’s passage.
Key details regarding the storm paths and tornado classifications include:
- Fayette EF2 Tornado: Touched down roughly one mile south of Rose Hill near State Route 96A, tracked through Fayette, and dissipated approximately two miles south of Canoga Springs, leaving a path roughly seven miles long.
- Waterloo EF1 Tornado: Developed a few miles west-northwest of Waterloo, passed directly through the village, and weakened over Seneca Falls after traveling six to seven miles.
- Straight-Line Wind Damage: Surrounding areas experienced severe non-tornadic wind damage, highlighted by the 76 mph peak gust logged in Seneca Falls.
