A severe thunderstorm moving northeast over Mastic/Shirley and then into Manorville in southeast Suffolk County produced an EF0 tornado Monday afternoon.
The tornado, packing maximum winds of 85 mph, touched down at about 4:33 p.m. and was on the ground for about five minutes, according to the National Weather Service in Upton.
It damaged trees and structures along a path of 50 yards wide and 1.6 miles long. There were no injuries reported.
It first touched down on Dayton Avenue, about 400 yards south of the intersection with South Street, according to a statement issued by the National Weather Service.
It sheared large tree limbs and the tops off dozens of oak, maple and pine trees, as well as uprooting at least a dozen shallow-rooted large trees, the NWS said in a statement. Several electric poles were downed by falling trees on this block, with collateral tree damage noted to a few houses in the neighborhood, according to the NWS.
The tornado continued northeast through the south end of neighboring Rosewood Street and then across its intersecting cross street of South Street, the weather service said. Several more trees were uprooted, large limbs broken, or tree tops sheared on this leg of its path. Facing houses on the north and south side of South Street had widespread tree damage and uprooting. A shed was destroyed in this location as well, with damage to residences in the form of sporadic blown off shingles and siding, missing storm screens, and a couple of broken windows, the weather service said.
The tornado then continued northeast through a wooded area, where more tree damage was noted, before crossing the Long Island Expressway near Exit 69 while lifting. The path of tree damage and debris ended on the service road on the north side of the LIE near the intersection with Wading River Road, the weather service said.
“Many thanks to Suffolk County Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services, Brookhaven Highway Department, and local residents for their assistance in conducting this storm survey,” the agency said in a statement.
Riverhead was spared wind damage and major flooding from the storm, which brought downpours and gusty winds to the area.
“We’ve been pretty aggressive and proactive with trees and drainage,” Riverhead Highway Superintendent George Woodson said.
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