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 970 yards (0.55 miles) 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 and Pennsylvania that evening, several of which reached F2 to F3 intensity. One F3 caused major damage in the city of Binghamton. The other F3 caused major damage in the village of 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 May 31 event See also List of derecho events June 2012 North American derecho Derecho and tornado outbreak of April 4–5, 2011 References External links "The Southern Great Lakes Derecho of 1998" (Storm Prediction Center) "Upper Midwest hit by hurricane-force storm" (CNN) Detailed SPC overview NWS overview CIMMS satellite imagery and meteorological analysis CSWR Doppler-on-wheels Spencer page 1998 meteorology Hanson County, South Dakota McCook County, South Dakota Tornadoes in Michigan Natural disasters in Minnesota Natural disasters in Ontario Tornadoes in New York (state) Tornadoes in South Dakota Tornadoes of 1998 F4 tornadoes by date Tornadoes in New Hampshire Tornadoes in Pennsylvania Tornadoes in Indiana Tornadoes in Ohio Tornadoes in Kentucky Tornadoes in Vermont Tornadoes in Canada by date Tornadoes in Wisconsin May 1998 events 1998 disasters in Canada