View source for Late-May 1998 tornado outbreak and derecho

{{short description|Weather event}}
{{Infobox storm
 | name                 = Late-May 1998 tornado outbreak and derecho
 | image                = May 30-31 1998 derecho.jpg
 | alt                  = 
 | caption              = Timeline of the derecho
 | formed               = May 30, 1998
 | active               = 2 days
 | dissipated           = May 31, 1998
 | lowest pressure      = 
 | lowest temperature   = 
 | tornadoes            = 60
 | fujitascale          = F4
 | tornado duration     = 
 | highest winds        = {{convert|220|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}<br><small>[[Spencer, South Dakota|Spencer, SD]] tornado</small>
 | gusts                = 
 | maximum snow         = 
 | power outages        = Over 2 million
 | fatalities           = 7 deaths (+6 non-tornadic), 233+ tornadic injuries
 | damages              = 
 | affected             = [[Great Plains]], [[Midwest]], [[Ontario]], [[Northeastern United States]]
 | location             = 
 | current advisories   = 
 | enhanced             = no
 | notes                = 
 | partof               = the '''[[Tornadoes of 1998|tornado outbreaks of 1998]]'''
}}
The '''Late-May 1998 tornado outbreak and derecho''' was a historic [[tornado outbreak]] and [[derecho]] that began on the afternoon of May 30 and extended throughout May 31, 1998, across a large portion of the northern half of the United States and southern [[Ontario]] from southeastern [[Montana]] east and southeastward to the Atlantic Ocean. The initial tornado outbreak, including the devastating [[Spencer, South Dakota|Spencer]] tornado, hit southeast [[South Dakota]] on the evening of May 30. The Spencer tornado was the most destructive and the second-deadliest tornado in South Dakota history. A total of 13 people were killed; 7 by tornadoes and 6 by the derecho.{{Clarify|reason=7+6=13|date=November 2015}} Over two million people lost [[electric power|electrical power]], some for up to 10 days.

The derecho was the most violent line of [[Squall line|thunderstorms]] observed on earth during the 1998 calendar year according to the [[National Weather Service]] review shortly after the year was over. It was the climax of an unusually heavy derecho season in the North-Central United States and adjacent parts of Canada and the Northeast United States, and this storm combined the characteristics of the two major forms of derecho, the serial and progressive derecho, known as a hybrid derecho. At various points of its evolution, it displayed textbook or record manifestations of [[supercell]] and derecho-related phenomena such as the right-mover supercell, evolution of supercells into a linear meso-scale feature which rapidly became a derecho, cumulonimbus with overshooting top and dome, [[bow echo]], bookend vortices, regular and rotor [[downbursts]], gust front, [[gustnado]], rear inflow notch, classic derecho radar signature, effects of infrasound and atmospheric electricity, [[haboob]]s, and wind effects on bodies of water including [[seiche]]s and exposure of bottoms of water features by the wind. The disturbance which was originally the derecho finally disappeared off the coast of Norway more than a week later.

==May 30 South Dakota event==
[[Image:South Dakota Tornadoes.PNG|thumb|500px|right|NWS damage survey map tracking the tornado families in southeast South Dakota]]
The first severe weather of the outbreak was reported at 12:30&nbsp;p.m. in southeast Montana. Several hours later a [[supercell]] thunderstorm produced {{convert|2.75|in|cm|adj=on}} hail across southeast Montana, kicking off the outbreak in earnest. Numerous reports of very large hail were received throughout the outbreak with the largest official report of {{convert|3.00|in|cm}} {{convert|10|mi|km}} north of [[St. Lawrence, South Dakota|St. Lawrence]] in east-central South Dakota. The hail itself produced thousands of dollars in damage. Many reports of severe straight-line winds and damage were also reported. Numerous [[storm chasing|storm chaser]] reports suggest that significant severe weather events also occurred in the sparsely populated area traversed by the storm.

Later that evening, a supercell in southeastern South Dakota produced a series of tornadoes. The family of tornadoes that crossed the Spencer area was observed by a [[Doppler on Wheels]] (DOW) radar (Wurman et al. 1997, Wurman 2001). The DOW observed the tornadoes from before 8:04 through 8:45 pm local time (01:04–01:45 UTC)(Alexander and Wurman 2005) and the passage of a destructive F4 tornado through Spencer itself from 8:37-8:38 (01:37-01:38 UTC). DOW measurements of tornadic winds over the largely destroyed southern portion of Spencer have permitted the first (and only as of December 2006) direct comparison of measured winds with F (or EF) Scale damage ratings as reported in the above referenced articles. Peak observed [[Weather radar#Velocity|Doppler winds]] of near {{convert|115|m/s|mph|abbr=on}} corresponded well with the documented F4 damage.

The DOW observations showed that the list of tornadoes derived from damage surveys alone, and the F-scale rating of that damage, may be incomplete and underestimate actual tornado intensity (Wurman and Alexander 2005). Single tornadoes may be mis-characterized as multiple tornadoes due to breaks in the observed damage. DOW measurements suggest that the F4 tornado may have had a multiple-vortex structure as it struck Spencer.

Storm chasers William T. Reid, [[Martin Lisius]], Keith Brown, and Cheryl Chang forecasted and intercepted the large and destructive Spencer, South Dakota tornado moments before it entered the town. The chase team was positioned east of town and first observed the tornado at approximately 8:35 pm and captured numerous photographs, video, and 35mm motion picture film of the event as it unfolded.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Reid story on Spencer SD intercept |url=http://www.stormeyes.org/tornado/spencer/wrchase.htm |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=www.stormeyes.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=1998-05-30 |title=Needle in a Haystack, Spencer, South Dakota {{!}} Tempest Tours {{!}} Storm Chasers |url=https://www.tempesttours.com/blog/need-in-a-haystack-spencer-south-dakota |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=Tempest Tours |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Spencer SD Tornado Photographs |url=http://www.stormeyes.org/tornado/spencer/spenpix.htm |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=www.stormeyes.org}}</ref>

==Confirmed tornadoes==
{{Tornado chart | Total=18| F0=7 | F1=8 | F2=3 | F3=0 | F4=1 | F5=0 }}<!--Only add once confirmed by NWS offices-->

===May 30 event (South Dakota)===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
![[Fujita scale|F no.]]
!Location
!County
!Time (UTC)
!Path length
!Damage
|-
|colspan="7" align=center|'''[[South Dakota]]'''
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|storm}} | <big>'''F0'''</big>
|'''W of [[Lake Preston, South Dakota|Lake Preston]]'''
|[[Kingsbury County, South Dakota|Kingsbury]]
|0002
|unknown
|First tornado touchdown. Short-lived with no damage.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat1}} | <big>'''F1'''</big>
|'''NW of [[Fulton, South Dakota|Fulton]]'''
|[[Hanson County, South Dakota|Hanson]]
|0008
|2 miles <br>(3.2&nbsp;km)
|This was a fairly large and dusty tornado that affected mostly open ground in rural areas. It was the first tornado of the [[tornado family]] generated by the supercell that produced the Spencer tornado.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat2}} | <big>'''F2'''</big>
|'''NE of [[Fulton, South Dakota|Fulton]]'''
|[[Hanson County, South Dakota|Hanson]]
|0016
|6 miles <br>(9.6&nbsp;km)
|Large tornado that produced minor damage, mostly remaining in open fields and trees. This was the second tornado of the Spencer tornado family.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat4}} | <big>'''F4'''</big>
|'''[[Spencer, South Dakota|Spencer]] area'''
|[[Hanson County, South Dakota|Hanson]], [[McCook County, South Dakota|McCook]]
|0026
|14 miles <br>(23&nbsp;km)
|6 deaths – ''[[Late-May 1998 tornado outbreak and derecho#Spencer, South Dakota|See section on this tornado]]''
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat1}} | <big>'''F1'''</big>
|'''SE of [[Alexandria, South Dakota|Alexandria]]'''
|[[Hanson County, South Dakota|Hanson]]
|0055
|2 miles <br>(3.2&nbsp;km)
|Tornado not related to the Spencer tornado family; it formed on a [[rear flank downdraft]] (RFD) of the Spencer supercell and tracked roughly to the south of that storm. Multiple major tornadoes from these two supercells were often ongoing and visible simultaneously. This tornado resulted in moderate damage to crops and several buildings.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat2}} | <big>'''F2'''</big>
|'''S of [[Salem, South Dakota|Salem]]'''
|[[McCook County, South Dakota|McCook]]
|0056
|6 miles <br>(9.6&nbsp;km)
|Large tornado that resulted in significant damage to numerous farm buildings and houses, as well as extensive power line and crop damage. This too was a very large and strong tornado incurring about $1.0 million in damages to farm property, power lines, and crops. Tornado was {{convert|700|yd|m}} wide.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat1}} | <big>'''F1'''</big>
|'''W of [[Emery, South Dakota|Emery]]'''
|[[Hanson County, South Dakota|Hanson]]
|0101
|2 miles <br>(3.2&nbsp;km)
|Related to the Alexandria tornado. Minor damage was reported.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat1}} | <big>'''F1'''</big>
|'''W of [[Canistota, South Dakota|Canistota]]'''
|[[Hanson County, South Dakota|Hanson]]
|0107
|1 miles <br>(1.6&nbsp;km)
|Final tornado from the Spencer tornado family. Significant damage occurred at one farm.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|storm}} | <big>'''F0'''</big>
|'''E of [[Emery, South Dakota|Emery]]'''
|[[Hanson County, South Dakota|Hanson]]
|0110
|unknown
|Brief tornado.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat1}} | <big>'''F1'''</big>
|'''E of [[Monroe, South Dakota|Monroe]]'''
|[[Turner County, South Dakota|Turner]]
|0125
|1 mile <br>(1.6&nbsp;km)
|Moderate property damage was reported.
|-
|colspan="7" | <small>Sources: [https://web.archive.org/web/20100506004830/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~storms NCDC]</small>
|}

===May 30 event (Derecho)===

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!'''[[Fujita scale|F no.]]'''
!'''Location'''
!'''County'''
!'''Time (UTC)'''
!'''Path length'''
!'''Damage'''
|-
|colspan="7" align=center|'''[[Wisconsin]]'''
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat2}} | <big>'''F2'''</big>
|'''E of [[Menomonie, Wisconsin|Menomonie]]'''
|[[Dunn County, Wisconsin|Dunn]]
|0428
|1 mile <br>(1.6&nbsp;km)
|Three houses, including a mobile home, were destroyed. Heavy damage also reported on several farms. 8 people were injured.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|storm}} | <big>'''F0'''</big>
|'''SW of [[Mosinee, Wisconsin|Mosinee]]'''
|[[Marathon County, Wisconsin|Marathon]]
|0621
|200 yd<br>(180 m)
|Brief tornado embedded in the damage from the derecho.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat1}} | <big>'''F1'''</big>
|'''N of [[Stockbridge, Wisconsin|Stockbridge]]'''
|[[Calumet County, Wisconsin|Calumet]]
|0720
|1 mile<br>(1.6&nbsp;km)
|Considerable damage reported in the area. Two barns were destroyed, along with a garage and silo. Damage also reported to one house.
|-
|colspan="7" align=center|'''[[Michigan]]'''
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|storm}} | <big>'''F0'''</big>
|'''SE of [[Lake City, Michigan|Lake City]]'''
|[[Missaukee County, Michigan|Missaukee]]
|0930
|500 yd<br>(450 m)
|Numerous trees were snapped.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|storm}} | <big>'''F0'''</big>
|'''[[Torch Lake, Michigan|Torch Lake]]'''
|[[Antrim County, Michigan|Antrim]]
|0935
|unknown
|Brief tornado touchdown with minimal damage.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat1}} | <big>'''F1'''</big>
|'''N of [[Kalkaska, Michigan|Kalkaska]]'''
|[[Kalkaska County, Michigan|Kalkaska]]
|0950
|7 miles <br>(11&nbsp;km)
|One mobile home was destroyed and two others were damaged. Extensive tree damage reported.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|storm}} | <big>'''F0'''</big>
|'''N of [[Grayling, Michigan|Grayling]]'''
|[[Crawford County, Michigan|Crawford]]
|0955
|unknown
|Brief tornado touchdown. One house sustained heavy damage.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|storm}} | <big>'''F0'''</big>
|'''W of [[Flushing, Michigan|Flushing]]'''
|[[Genesee County, Michigan|Genesee]]
|1025
|unknown
|Tornado confirmed amidst heavy derecho damage. Minor tornado-related tree and building damage.
|-
|colspan="7" | <small>Sources: [https://web.archive.org/web/20100506004830/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~storms NCDC]</small>
|}

==Spencer, South Dakota==
{{Infobox storm
 | name                 = Spencer, South Dakota
 | image                =
 | caption              = The Spencer, South Dakota tornado
 | fujitascale          = F4
 | tornado duration     = 
 | highest winds        = 118 m/s (264 mph)
 | casualties           = 6 fatalities, 150 injuries
 | damages              = $18 million (1998 USD)
 | location             = [[Spencer, South Dakota]]
 | current advisories   = 
 | enhanced             = no
 | notes                = 
}}
The [[Spencer, South Dakota]] F4 tornado was the most destructive and second deadliest tornado in the history of the state. It was also the fifth deadliest tornado of the year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sdpb.org/net/oto/spencer/faqs_and_statistics.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070611124017/http://www.sdpb.org/net/oto/spencer/faqs_and_statistics.asp |url-status=dead |archive-date=2007-06-11 |title=Stats |website= www.sdpb.org|access-date=2020-06-30}}</ref> It began as a large, dust-cloaked tornado northwest of Farmer, South Dakota in [[Hanson County, South Dakota|Hanson County]], concurrent with the demise of the second "Fulton" tornado. Continuing toward the east-southeast, it struck several farmsteads before crossing the Hanson/[[McCook County, South Dakota|McCook County]] line a half mile west-northwest of Spencer. At this time, the tornado was being observed by the [[University of Oklahoma]]'s ''Doppler on Wheels'' crew, whose mobile [[Weather radar#Velocity|Doppler weather radar]] data showed up to 220&nbsp;mph winds in the tornado only a few [[decameter]]s above the ground.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.spc.noaa.gov/misc/spencer/|title=The Spencer SD Tornado of 30 May 1998|website=www.spc.noaa.gov}}</ref>

This tornado carved a {{convert|3/8|mi|km|abbr=on}} wide path directly across the town of Spencer between 8:38 and 8:44&nbsp;pm CDT, destroying or damaging all but a few houses on the Northeast side of town, and blowing over the water tower. Several homes in town were swept from their foundations by the tornado. The tornado killed six people, injured 150 (which is more than one-third of the town residents), and destroyed most of the town's 190&nbsp;buildings. Many trees and power lines were downed, and vehicles were destroyed as well. 5 of the 6 fatalities occurred in an apartment building that collapsed. Damage was estimated at $18&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.weather.gov/om/assessments/spencer1.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060930211618/http://www.weather.gov/om/assessments/spencer1.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2006-09-30 |title= Storm summary |website=www.weather.gov|access-date=2020-06-30}}</ref> The population of the town diminished soon after to less than half of what it was previous to the tornado, from 315 to 145 in April 1999.

==May 30–31 Southern Great Lakes derecho==
{{unreferenced section|date=October 2017}}
This derecho got its start from a developing low pressure system that moved into the northern [[Great Plains]] and [[Great Lakes]]. The derecho formed from the same storm system that spawned the Spencer, South Dakota Tornado, which killed six people. The [[supercell]] thunderstorm which produced that [[tornado]] transitioned into the derecho which killed another six people. It would become the most destructive natural disaster to hit the Upper Midwest in recent memory.

===Minnesota===
The most damage in [[Minnesota]] occurred at the northern edge in [[Sibley County, Minnesota|Sibley]] and [[McLeod County, Minnesota|McLeod Counties]]. Winds ranged from {{convert|80|-|100|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in those two counties.

After the derecho raced through Minnesota, tens of thousands of trees were blown down. There were 500,000 customers without power. Over 100 homes were destroyed or damaged beyond repair. Twenty-two people were injured. The derecho caused $50 million in damage in southern Minnesota and northern [[Wisconsin]].

===Wisconsin===
The derecho raced across [[Wisconsin]] in only three hours killing one person in [[Washington County, Wisconsin|Washington County]] when a tree fell through the roof and onto her bed where she was sleeping. It injured 37 people in Wisconsin. Many utility companies and emergency customers said that this was the most damaging straight-line wind thunderstorm event in 100 years. Five thousand homes and businesses were damaged and 24 were destroyed.

An area of south-central, south-east, and east-central Wisconsin reported wind gusts of over {{convert|100|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} from this thunderstorm complex with an all-time official state record gust of {{convert|128|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} {{convert|3|mi|km}} north-east of [[Watertown, Dodge County, Wisconsin|Watertown]] in [[Dodge County, Wisconsin|Dodge County]]. As with other derechos like the [[Independence Day Derecho of 1977|July 4, 1977]] blow-down in northern Wisconsin, there were other unofficial reports of higher winds as well as estimates of such, including winds of {{convert|102|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} sustained for a number of minutes and gusts up to {{convert|140|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} also in Dodge County and/or adjacent sections of [[Fond du Lac County]].

The roar of the wind from the derecho was audible up to {{convert|30|mi|km}} away as the storm traversed this region. Road signs and other metal structures were found thrown about and even violently twisted in the area of 100&nbsp;mph-plus wind from north-east [[Dane County, Wisconsin|Dane County]] through Dodge and Fond du Lac and Washington counties—evidence of both straight-line winds and rotor [[downburst]]s were widespread in this area as well as many other points along the path of the storm, and the sound of wind and perhaps hail and the effects of [[infrasound]] from some parts of the storm complex was also reported. In the latter case, some people reported strange feelings of pressure, and dogs, cats, and [[raccoons]] went wild.

The derecho also caused boating accidents by generating a seiche on [[Lake Michigan]] which was reported to be around {{convert|10|ft|m|abbr=off}} high as it first struck the Michigan coastline of Lake Michigan further north in [[Muskegon County]].

===Central Great Lakes===
The storm raced through [[Michigan]] in only two hours at an average speed of {{convert|70|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. Four people were killed in Michigan, and 146 were injured. Total damage was estimated at $172 million (1998 dollars). 250 homes and 34 businesses were destroyed. In [[Grand Haven, Michigan|Grand Haven]] the Story & Clark [[smokestack]] at the Piano Factory Condominiums was destroyed when the force of the high wind caused it to crumble, and trees collapsed all over the city, some falling onto roofs. Damage in [[Spring Lake, Michigan|Spring Lake]] was worse, due to a highly localized zone of higher winds. The Mill Pointe Condominiums suffered serious damage, including the collapse of one unit. Others were subsequently removed. A factory lost its roof in the storm, and a number of businesses were damaged severely, one beyond repair. Country Estates Mobile Home park also suffered serious damage. Extensive damage to [[Grandville, Michigan|Grandville]] (approximately {{convert|30|mi|km}} inland) led to the city being closed off, with no traffic allowed to enter in the day after the derecho's passage. A woman was killed in [[Pinconning, Michigan|Pinconning]], about {{convert|130|mi|km}} north of [[Detroit]], when a tree fell on her house.

This derecho would go on to break the record for biggest [[power outage]] ever in the state of Michigan (but later surpassed by the [[2003 North America blackout]]). 860,000 people lost power, slightly more than the number from the [[Southern Great Lakes Derecho of 1991]]. It blew down five 345-[[kilovolt]] transmission towers owned by [[Consumers Energy]].

A total of 13 counties in Central Lower Michigan were declared [[federal disaster area]]s.

One person drowned in [[Ontario]] when his boat turned over from the derecho's strong winds. Buildings in [[Toronto]] lost numerous windows and significant damage was observed in areas such as [[Trenton, Ontario|Trenton]], [[Napanee]], [[Picton, Ontario|Picton]] and [[Kingston, Ontario|Kingston]]. Heavy thunderstorm activity was also reported in [[Ottawa]] and [[Montreal]], but without damage.

It caused $300,000 worth of damage in central [[New York (state)|New York]] before reforming into a tornado outbreak at around 11&nbsp;am on May 31.

===Summary===
Overall, the derecho traveled {{convert|975|mi|km}} from southern [[Minnesota]] to central [[New York (state)|New York]] in 15 hours at an average speed of {{convert|65|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. It became one of the most damaging derecho events in North America's history, causing $300 million (1998 [[USD]]) in damage.

==May 31 New York and Pennsylvania tornadoes==
On Sunday, May 31, Friday's cold front, which stalled over southern Pennsylvania, started moving quickly back northward as a [[warm front]] as strong low pressure approached the Great Lakes. North of the warm front, most of the Hudson Valley and Western New England were under a cool and stable marine air mass, as a result of southeast winds from the Atlantic Ocean. Around 8&nbsp;am, the warm front was located roughly over the [[Mohawk River]] to central and northern Massachusetts, producing powerful thunderstorms. After the warm front's passage, sunshine broke out and strong heating commenced across the Northeast with temperatures quickly rising from the 50s through the 70s into the 80s, and dewpoints skyrocketing from the lower 40s into the upper 60s. Surface winds began blowing from the southeast at around 30&nbsp;mph, while the winds at mid-levels were from the southwest at 60 to 80&nbsp;mph, and the winds at jetstream level were still ranging from 120 to 150&nbsp;mph from the west. High levels of instability were present as well. This created an unusually highly sheared environment in the Northeast.

The Storm Prediction Center issued a [[List of Storm Prediction Center high risk days|High Risk]] for severe thunderstorms across Northern Pennsylvania, most of New York, Western Massachusetts and Western Vermont. A High Risk had never before been issued for the Northeastern United States, and hasn't been since this event. This indicated an abnormally dangerous weather situation for this region of the country, a situation more common in the Plains States, Midwest and Deep South.

Around 1&nbsp;pm, the Michigan derecho was moving into New York from Ontario and rapidly weakening. The decaying squall line broke apart into discrete convection over New York and Pennsylvania, which quickly re-intensified into tornadic supercells.

The most destructive tornado of the day was an F3 that tore through [[Mechanicville, New York|Mechanicville]] and the adjacent town of [[Stillwater (town), New York|Stillwater]]. It caused major damage to Mechanicville's old industrial section located on Route 4 and 32 along the [[Hudson River]]. One of the two historic smokestacks (visible from 2 miles away) was knocked down by the tornado. In 2005, the other smokestack and the conjoined building were bulldozed. The tornado was rated F3 (winds estimated at 200 MPH at the time) on the [[Fujita scale]], and was {{convert|970|yd|m}}iles) wide. In total, 70 homes and businesses were completely demolished, and hundreds more damaged. Extensive deforestation occurred along the path as well. 68 people were injured, but no loss of life occurred. Pink insulation was reported falling from the sky ahead of the tornado, in [[Valley Falls, New York]], 12 miles east of Mechanicville. Film negatives from Mechanicville were reportedly found there as well.

Numerous other strong tornadoes touched down across upstate [[New York (state)|New York]] and [[Pennsylvania]] that evening, several of which reached F2 to F3 intensity. One F3 caused major damage in the city of [[Binghamton, New York|Binghamton]]. The other F3 caused major damage in the village of [[Windsor, New York|Windsor]]. This outbreak was likely the most intense, widespread, and long duration severe weather event in modern New York state history. Other less intense tornadoes touched down in surrounding states.

==Confirmed tornadoes==
{{Tornado Chart | Total=42 | F0=13 | F1=13 | F2=10 | F3=6 | F4=0 | F5=0 }}<!--Only add once confirmed by NWS offices (Nationwide for 5-31-98)-->

=== May 31 event ===
{| class="wikitable toccolours collapsible" width="100%"
!colspan="6"|List of confirmed tornadoes
|-
! [[Fujita scale|F#]] || Location || County || Time (CDT) || Path length || Damage
|-
|colspan="7" align=center|'''[[Indiana]]'''
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|storm}} | <big>'''F0'''</big>
| '''[[Spencerville, Indiana|Spencerville]] area'''
| [[DeKalb County, Indiana|DeKalb]]
| 1244
| 0.1&nbsp;miles <br /> (0.16&nbsp;km)
| Brief tornado reported by law enforcement.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|storm}} | <big>'''F0'''</big>
| '''[[Auburn, Indiana|Auburn]] area'''
| [[DeKalb County, Indiana|DeKalb]]
| 1315
| 0.1&nbsp;miles <br /> (0.16&nbsp;km)
| Brief touchdown with no damage.
|-
|colspan="7" align=center|'''[[Ohio]]'''
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|storm}} | <big>'''F0'''</big>
| '''[[Continental, Ohio|Continental]] area'''
| [[Putnam County, Ohio|Putnam]]
| 1404
| 0.1&nbsp;miles <br /> (0.16&nbsp;km)
| Brief touchdown with no damage.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat1}} | <big>'''F1'''</big>
| '''SE of [[Hickoryville, Ohio|Hickoryville]]'''
| [[Clinton County, Ohio|Clinton]]
| 1825
| 0.3&nbsp;miles <br /> (0.5&nbsp;km)
| Damage was limited to trees
|-
|colspan="7" align=center|'''[[Ontario]]'''
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|storm}} | <big>'''F0'''</big>
| '''SE of [[Trenton, Ontario|Trenton]]'''
| [[Prince Edward County, Ontario|Prince Edward]]
| 1445
| unknown
|
|-
|colspan="7" align=center|'''[[New York (state)|New York]]'''
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat3}} | <big>'''F3'''</big>
| '''W of [[Round Lake, New York]] to E of [[North Bennington, Vermont]]'''
| [[Saratoga County, New York|Saratoga]], [[Rensselaer County, New York|Rensselaer]] [[New York (state)|(New York)]], [[Bennington County, Vermont|Bennington]] ([[Vermont]])
| 1522
| 31&nbsp;miles <br /> (48.8&nbsp;km)
| This tornado had a total path length of {{convert|31|mi|km}}, crossing through 3 counties and 2 states (NY and VT). Worst damage occurred in [[Mechanicville, New York|Mechanicville]] and [[Stillwater, New York|Stillwater]]. 350 homes and businesses damaged or destroyed along its entire track, with 68 injuries and about $70M. Large swaths of forest were leveled, and light debris from Mechanicville was found 12 miles away. Vehicles were flipped and a smokestack was blown over as well. In Vermont, extensive F2 damage occurred to homes and damage was estimated at $630,000. Tornado was 970 yards wide at times.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat1}} | <big>'''F1'''</big>
| '''SW of [[Colonie, New York|Colonie]]'''
| [[Albany County, New York|Albany]]
| 1537
| 3.5&nbsp;miles <br /> (5.6&nbsp;km)
| This was a small tornado that crossed the Albany International Airport and the New York State Thruway. It was 75&nbsp;yards wide and produced $25,000 in damage. Many trees were uprooted.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|storm}} | <big>'''F0'''</big>
| '''[[Davenport, New York|Davenport]] area'''
| [[Delaware County, New York|Delaware]]
| 1545
| 3&nbsp;miles <br /> (4.8&nbsp;km)
| Small tornado which produced $150,000 in damage. Path width was 75&nbsp;yards.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat1}} | <big>'''F1'''</big>
| '''[[Brocton, New York|Brocton]] area'''
| [[Chautauqua County, New York|Chautauqua]]
| 1605
| 2&nbsp;miles <br /> (3.2&nbsp;km)
| Small tornado caused 2 injuries and $90,000 in damage. A house, a garage, and a barn sustained considerable damage. Other structures sustained minor damage to roofs and siding. Path width was 25&nbsp;yards.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat3}} | <big>'''F3'''</big>
| '''[[Apalachin, New York|Apalachin]] to [[Downsville, New York|Downsville]]'''
| [[Tioga County, New York|Tioga]], [[Broome County, New York|Broome]], [[Delaware County, New York|Delaware]]
| 1630
| 62&nbsp;miles <br /> (99.2&nbsp;km)
| This was a long-track tornado, and the longest-tracked tornado of the entire event. In Tioga County, the tornado skipped along hilltops, causing F0 to F1 tree damage near Apalachin. In neighboring Broome County, the tornado moved through the city of [[Binghamton, New York|Binghamton]] at F2 intensity, damaging several structures and downing numerous trees. A TV station studio building sustained major structural damage in Binghamton. An SUV and a metal dumpster in the parking lot were tossed, and a VHS tape from the studio was found more than a mile away. A 1000-foot TV tower was downed as well. The tornado maintained its strength as it continued into [[Conklin, New York|Conklin]], destroying mobile homes, snapping trees, and badly damaging permanent homes. Outside of Conklin, the tornado weakened to F0 strength and only caused minor damage in the [[Windsor, New York|Windsor]] area. The tornado re-intensified to F2 strength as it struck [[Sanford, New York|Sanford]], destroying a mobile home and a metal power substation. The tornado reached maximum intensity in Delaware County and struck [[Deposit (town), New York|Deposit]] as an F3. A house there was left with only an interior closet standing. The tornado weakened, damaging several other homes east of Deposit before dissipating. Caused at least $2 million in damage. Several people were injured.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat2}} | <big>'''F2'''</big>
| '''S of [[Plymouth, New York|Plymouth]]'''
| [[Chenango County, New York|Chenango]]
| 1650
| 1&nbsp;miles <br /> (1.6&nbsp;km)
| This tornado was short lived, but had a massive width of over 1500&nbsp;yards. Many trees were downed, and trailers and mobile homes were destroyed. Several cabins and a house were damaged. Small boats and sheds were tossed into a lake as well. The tornado caused $500,000 in damage.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|storm}} | <big>'''F0'''</big>
| '''E of [[North Norwich, New York|North Norwich]]'''
| [[Chenango County, New York|Chenango]]
| 1700
| 0.5&nbsp;miles <br /> (0.8&nbsp;km)
| Trees were uprooted and a barn had metal roofing torn off. A billboard was blown over, and a house sustained damage to its roof and siding. Caused $135,000 in damage. Width was 75&nbsp;yards.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat2}} | <big>'''F2'''</big>
| '''N of [[Portlandville, New York|Portlandville]]'''
| [[Otsego County, New York|Otsego]]
| 1725
| 1&nbsp;miles <br /> (1.6&nbsp;km)
| A large swath of trees was leveled, and structures sustained minor damage.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat3}} | <big>'''F3'''</big>
| '''[[Silver Lake, Otsego County, New York|Silver Lake]] to [[Milford, New York|Milford]]'''
| [[Otsego County, New York|Otsego]]
| 1730
| 5&nbsp;miles <br /> (8&nbsp;km)
| Multiple-vortex tornado. At the beginning of the path, trees and mobile homes were damaged in [[New Lisbon, New York|New Lisbon]] and [[Morris Morris, New York|Morris]]. The tornado intensified as it passed near [[Laurens (town), New York|Laurens]], where large swaths of dense forest were leveled, with some trees denuded. Farms sustained extensive damage, and livestock was killed as well. One house was shifted off of its foundation. A refrigerator from a destroyed trailer near the end of the path was thrown 100 yards into a pond. Three&nbsp;people were injured, and $800,000 worth of damage occurred. The path was 800&nbsp;yards wide.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat2}} | <big>'''F2'''</big>
| ''' S of [[East Schodack, New York|East Schodack]]'''
| [[Rensselaer County, New York|Rensselaer]]
| 1822
| 8&nbsp;miles <br /> (12.8&nbsp;km)
|Many trees were downed and trailers were flipped. Three barns were destroyed and a few homes were damaged as well.
|-
|colspan="7" align=center|'''[[Pennsylvania]]'''
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat1}} | <big>'''F1'''</big>
| '''E of [[Buttonwood, Pennsylvania|Buttonwood]]'''
| [[Lycoming County, Pennsylvania|Lycoming]]
| 1620
| 0.5&nbsp;miles <br /> (0.8&nbsp;km)
| A shed was destroyed and the roof of a lumberyard building was blown off. A wooden plank was found pierced through the tire of a semi truck, and a portable toilet was thrown into a ravine.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|storm}} | <big>'''F0'''</big>
| '''E of [[Hughestown, Pennsylvania|Hughestown]]'''
| [[Luzerne County, Pennsylvania|Luzerne]]
| 1800
| 0.2&nbsp;miles <br /> (0.32&nbsp;km)
| Caused damage to trees and utility poles.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat1}} | <big>'''F1'''</big>
| '''S of [[Johnsonburg, Pennsylvania|Johnsonburg]]'''
| [[Elk County, Pennsylvania|Elk]]
| 1830
| 3&nbsp;miles <br /> (4.8&nbsp;km)
| Caused damage to trees and farms. Roofing was torn from a silo and a barn, and a shed was destroyed.
|-
| bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|storm}} | <big>'''F0'''</big>
| '''NW of [[Ridgway, Pennsylvania|Ridgway]]'''
| [[Elk County, Pennsylvania|Elk]]
| 1830
| 0.5&nbsp;miles <br /> (0.8&nbsp;km)
| Damage was limited to trees.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat2}} | <big>'''F2'''</big>
| '''SW of [[Blooming Grove, Pennsylvania|Blooming Grove]]'''
| [[Pike County, Pennsylvania|Pike]]
| 1908
| 2&nbsp;miles <br /> (3.2&nbsp;km)
| Some homes at a campsite sustained minor to moderate damage, mostly from falling trees. Extensive tree damage was observed at [[Promise Land State Park]], where large swaths of forest were leveled.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat1}} | <big>'''F1'''</big>
| '''S of [[Jericho, Cameron County, Pennsylvania|Jericho]]'''
| [[Cameron County, Pennsylvania|Cameron]], [[Clinton County, Pennsylvania|Clinton]]
| 1910
| 5&nbsp;miles <br /> (8&nbsp;km)
| Damage was limited to trees.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat3}} | <big>'''F3'''</big>
| '''N of [[Pecks Pond, Pennsylvania|Pecks Pond]] to [[Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania|Dingmans Ferry]]'''
| [[Pike County, Pennsylvania|Pike]]
| 1920
| 20&nbsp;miles <br /> (32&nbsp;km)
| A summer home was leveled, with only one wall left standing. A mobile home was destroyed and large swaths of forest were leveled. The path was 200 yards wide.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat2}} | <big>'''F2'''</big>
| '''N of [[Blooming Grove, Pennsylvania|Blooming Grove]]'''
| [[Pike County, Pennsylvania|Pike]]
| 1920
| 3&nbsp;miles <br /> (4.8&nbsp;km)
|Hundreds of trees were downed.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|storm}} | <big>'''F0'''</big>
| '''W of [[Wimmers, Pennsylvania|Wimmers]]'''
| [[Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania|Lackawanna]]
| 1920
| 0.3&nbsp;miles <br /> (0.5&nbsp;km)
| Damage was limited to trees.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat1}} | <big>'''F1'''</big>
| '''[[Old Forge, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania|Old Forge]]'''
| [[Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania|Lackawanna]]
| 1920
| 0.1&nbsp;miles <br /> (0.16&nbsp;km)
| Windows at a restaurant were blown out and a fire station sustained minor damage. Trees were downed, and a dugout at a baseball field was destroyed.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat1}} | <big>'''F1'''</big>
| '''NE of [[Salladasburg, Pennsylvania|Salladasburg]]'''
| [[Lycoming County, Pennsylvania|Lycoming]]
| 1945
| 7&nbsp;miles <br /> (11.2&nbsp;km)
| A haywagon, several sheds, and numerous trees were damaged. A garage and breezeway were destroyed.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat3}} | <big>'''F3'''</big>
| '''[[Salisbury, Pennsylvania|Salisbury]] area'''
| [[Somerset County, Pennsylvania|Somerset]]
| 1950
| 13&nbsp;miles <br /> (20.8&nbsp;km)
| '''1 death''' –  Fatality occurred when a church steeple crushed a car. 10 to 15 businesses were heavily damaged and a house was completely destroyed. Livestock was killed and other homes were severely damaged as well. A factory building was partially destroyed and tractor-trailers were flipped. A church was also damaged and headstones were knocked over in a cemetery. Many trees were downed along the path. The path was 880 yards wide.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|storm}} | <big>'''F0'''</big>
| '''W of [[Jericho, Wayne County, Pennsylvania|Jericho]]'''
| [[Wayne County, Pennsylvania|Wayne]]
| 1950
| 0.5&nbsp;miles <br /> (0.8&nbsp;km)
| Caused damage to trees and power lines.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat3}} | <big>'''F3'''</big>
| '''[[Lyons, Pennsylvania|Lyons]] area'''
| [[Berks County, Pennsylvania|Berks]]
| 2000
| 8.3&nbsp;miles <br /> (13.3&nbsp;km)
| 40 homes were damaged or destroyed in Lyons, mostly in the northern part of town. One house completely collapsed. Many trees were downed as well. The path was 120 yards wide.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|storm}} | <big>'''F0'''</big>
| '''[[Montoursville, Pennsylvania|Montoursville]] area'''
| [[Lycoming County, Pennsylvania|Lycoming]]
| 2002
| 0.5&nbsp;miles <br /> (0.8&nbsp;km)
| One hangar was damaged heavily and three others sustained minor damage, while some planes at the Lycoming County Airport were tossed around.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|storm}} | <big>'''F0'''</big>
| '''S of [[Hughesville, Pennsylvania|Hughesville]]'''
| [[Lycoming County, Pennsylvania|Lycoming]]
| 2015
| 0.2&nbsp;miles <br /> (0.32&nbsp;km)
| A trailer was destroyed while a second was blown off of its foundation.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat1}} | <big>'''F1'''</big>
| '''N of [[Beaumont, Pennsylvania|Beaumont]]'''
| [[Wyoming County, Pennsylvania|Wyoming]]
| 2015
| 0.5&nbsp;miles <br /> (0.8&nbsp;km)
| Many trees were downed. One house sustained minor damage from a falling tree.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|storm}} | <big>'''F0'''</big>
| '''W of [[Greentown, Pennsylvania|Greentown]]'''
| [[Pike County, Pennsylvania|Pike]]
| 2050
| 0.3&nbsp;miles <br /> (0.5&nbsp;km)
| Brief tornado with no damage.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat2}} | <big>'''F2'''</big>
| '''NE of [[Quarryville, Pennsylvania|Quarryville]]'''
| [[Lancaster County, Pennsylvania|Lancaster]]
| 2330
| 7&nbsp;miles <br /> (11.2&nbsp;km)
| One barn was destroyed while six homes and several barns were damaged. One house had its second story ripped off. Many trees were downed, some of which landed on structures.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat1}} | <big>'''F1'''</big>
| '''NE of [[Daleville, Chester County, Pennsylvania|Daleville]]'''
| [[Chester County, Pennsylvania|Chester]]
| 2343
| 6&nbsp;miles <br /> (9.6&nbsp;km)
|
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat1}} | <big>'''F1'''</big>
| '''S of [[Pocopson, Pennsylvania|Pocopson]]'''
| [[Chester County, Pennsylvania|Chester]]
| 2352
| 3&nbsp;miles <br /> (4.8&nbsp;km)
| 5 homes were heavily damaged and 43 others less severely damaged. One mobile home was destroyed.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat2}} | <big>'''F2'''</big>
| '''[[Trevose, Pennsylvania|Trevose]]'''
| [[Bucks County, Pennsylvania|Bucks]]
| 0020
| 5.6&nbsp;miles <br /> (9&nbsp;km)
| 35 commercial building were damaged.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat2}} | <big>'''F2'''</big>
| '''[[Willow Grove, Pennsylvania|Willow Grove]] to [[Philadelphia]]'''
| [[Montgomery County, Pennsylvania|Montgomery]], [[Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania|Philadelphia]]
| unknown
| unknown
| Tornado struck the north side of Philadelphia. A total of 20 structures were damaged or destroyed. Homes had their roofs blown off and cars had their windows blown out. Four people were injured.
|-
|colspan="7" align=center|'''[[New Hampshire]]'''
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat2}} | <big>'''F2'''</big>
| '''S of [[Antrim, New Hampshire|Antrim]]'''
| [[Hillsborough County, New Hampshire|Hillsborough]]
| 1703
| 0.5&nbsp;miles <br /> (0.8&nbsp;km)
| A wall from an elementary school was damaged while a boat and trailer were flipped over.
|-
|colspan="7" align=center|'''[[Connecticut]]'''
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat1}} | <big>'''F1'''</big>
| '''SW of [[Washington, Connecticut|Washington]]'''
| [[Litchfield County, Connecticut|Litchfield]]
| 2030
| 0.3&nbsp;miles <br /> (0.5&nbsp;km)
| Damage was limited to trees.
|-
|colspan="7" align=center|'''[[Kentucky]]'''
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat2}} | <big>'''F2'''</big>
| '''E of [[Pellyton, Kentucky|Pellyton]]'''
| [[Adair County, Kentucky|Adair]]
| 2035
| 1&nbsp;miles <br /> (1.6&nbsp;km)
| A brick home was heavily damaged while several mobile homes were destroyed.
|-
|bgcolor=#{{Storm colour|cat1}} | <big>'''F1'''</big>
| '''N of [[Fonde, Kentucky|Fonde]]'''
| [[Bell County, Kentucky|Bell]]
| 2148
| 1.5&nbsp;miles <br /> (2.4&nbsp;km)
| Two mobile homes were destroyed, while 12 homes and 2 churches were damaged.
|-
|colspan="7" | <small>Sources: [https://web.archive.org/web/20100506004830/http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwevent~storms NCDC], {{usurped|1=[https://archive.today/20130204232450/http://www.tornadohistoryproject.com/tornado.php?yr=1998&mo=5&day=31&st=%25&fu=%25&co=Any&l=auto&submit=Table&ddat=on&dtim=on&dsta=on&dfuj=on&dfat=on&dinj=on&dlen=on&dcou=on&format=basic&p=1&s=1 Tornado History Project - May 31, 1998 Storm Data]}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20020402082919/http://www.ontarioweather.com/specials/database/TornadoQuery.asp 1998 Ontario Tornadoes]</small>
|}

==See also==
* [[List of derecho events]]
* [[June 2012 North American derecho]]
* [[Derecho and tornado outbreak of April 4–5, 2011]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.spc.noaa.gov/misc/AbtDerechos/casepages/may30-311998page.htm "The Southern Great Lakes Derecho of 1998"] ([[Storm Prediction Center]])
* [http://www.cnn.com/WEATHER/9805/31/midwest.storms/index.html "Upper Midwest hit by hurricane-force storm"] ([[CNN]])
* [http://www.spc.noaa.gov/misc/spencer Detailed SPC overview]


{{1998 tornado outbreaks}}
{{Wisconsin tornado events}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:1998-05-31 Tornado Outbreak and derecho}}
[[Category:1998 meteorology|Tornado, 05-31]]
[[Category:Hanson County, South Dakota|Tornado, 05-31]]
[[Category:McCook County, South Dakota|Tornado, 05-31]]
[[Category:Tornadoes in Michigan]]
[[Category:Natural disasters in Minnesota|Tornado, 05-31]]
[[Category:Tornadoes in Ontario]]
[[Category:Tornadoes in New York (state)]]
[[Category:Tornadoes in South Dakota]]
[[Category:Tornadoes of 1998|05-31]]
[[Category:F4, EF4 and IF4 tornadoes]]
[[Category:Tornadoes in New Hampshire]]
[[Category:Tornadoes in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Tornadoes in Indiana]]
[[Category:Tornadoes in Ohio]]
[[Category:Tornadoes in Kentucky]]
[[Category:Tornadoes in Vermont]]
[[Category:Tornadoes in Wisconsin]]
[[Category:May 1998|Tornado, 31]]
[[Category:1998 disasters in Canada|Tornado, 05-31]]