The New York State Labor Day Derechos were two derecho events that occurred on Labor Day, September 7, 1998. One derecho moved through northern and central New York state, and the other would start in southeastern Michigan and move through northeastern Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Long Island, New York.

Syracuse Labor Day Derecho

The northernmost derecho (dubbed the Syracuse Labor Day Derecho), got its start in northeastern New York just before midnight on September 7. It quickly moved southeastward through New York. Some of the worst damage occurred at Rochester, Syracuse, and Utica. Three people were killed at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse. A 89 mph (140 km/h) wind gust was recorded at the Rochester airport and a 77 mph (128 km/h) wind gust was recorded at the Syracuse airport. Tens of thousands of trees were blown down. Damage was estimated at $130 million in damage (1998 dollars).

New York City Labor Day Derecho

As the Syracuse Derecho moved into New England, a new derecho started developing in southeastern Michigan at around 4 A.M. EDT. The derecho raced through northeastern Ohio and Pennsylvania, New Jersey and ended up in New York in the mid-afternoon hours. Four people were killed and 62 were injured, mainly in the New Jersey and the New York City area. Thousands of trees were blown down and about 100 boats were overturned. Over 300,000 customers lost power and power was not restored until five days after the event.

See also

• List of notable derecho events

External Links

• Syracuse.com: 1998 Labor Day Storm coverage