Jim Moore / June 20, 2026
YATES COUNTY – The National Weather Service has confirmed that a tornado touched down in southeastern Yates County during Thursday’s severe weather outbreak, causing damage along a path near the Schuyler County line. Following a storm damage assessment, meteorologists determined that the tornado was rated an EF1 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, with estimated peak winds of 90 miles per hour. The tornado touched down near Rock Stream at approximately 10:55 a.m. as a line of severe thunderstorms moved through the Finger Lakes region.
According to the National Weather Service, the tornado’s damage path began near Reading Road before intensifying as it moved east-northeast toward the area of Old Lake Road and State Route 14. Survey teams documented numerous snapped and uprooted trees, as well as damage to utility poles and other property along the storm’s path. The tornado remained on the ground for a relatively short period before lifting, leaving behind scattered areas of storm damage.
Among the findings from the National Weather Service damage survey:
- The tornado was rated EF1 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale.
- Peak wind speeds were estimated at 90 mph.
- The tornado touched down near Rock Stream in southeastern Yates County.
- Damage began near Reading Road at approximately 10:55 a.m.
- The storm intensified as it moved toward Old Lake Road and State Route 14.
- Damage included snapped and uprooted trees and damaged utility infrastructure.
- The tornado occurred during a larger severe weather event that impacted several counties across the region.
The confirmation marks one of the few tornadoes documented in Yates County in recent years and came as cleanup efforts continued across portions of the Finger Lakes following Thursday’s storms. Emergency officials continue to urge residents to remain alert during severe weather events and to monitor watches and warnings issued by the National Weather Service.
