‘Microburst’ confirmed in Lancaster County, up to $6 million in damage reported

Among numerous reports of hail and impressive gusts during the weekend, the National Weather Service has confirmed a damaging "microburst" – a potent thunderstorm downdraft – in Lancaster County.

Winds up to 90 mph were reported just after 3:30 p.m. Saturday, the National Weather Service Office in State College said.

Trees were toppled and "a dozen or so" farms were hit with barn-roof and silo damages, it said, adding, "some livestock was lost."

The county emergency management agency said damage estimates were from $4 million to $6 million.

In a microburst downdraft, the outflow wind spreads a short distance, usually about 2.5 miles, and the peak winds last 10 minutes or less.

This one did its damage in Elizabeth, Clay, and West Cocalico Townships, just northwest of Ephrata.

Also, the weather service office in Binghamton, N.Y., confirmed that an  EF2  tornado – with peak winds of 120 mph – cut a 13-mile path through Luzerne County, in upstate Pennsylvania. No injuries were reported, but 28 homes were damaged.

Around here, the damage wasn't as severe or dramatic, although a 60 mph gust was reported in Concord Township, Delaware County.