Severe Weather Reports in New England & NY State Sunday, July 20, 2025
- Bob Cox
- Jul 21
- 8 min read
On July 20, 2025, severe weather impacted parts of New England and New York State, characterized by significant hail, damaging winds, and tree-related damage. No tornadoes were reported in these regions based on the provided data. The severe weather was driven by thunderstorms, with reports indicating large hail (up to 1.75 inches in diameter), strong wind gusts, and widespread tree and power line damage. The most affected areas included parts of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York, with notable impacts in urban and rural areas alike. In addition to the reports below, there was a report of a commercial building fire in Granby, CT, due to a lightning strike at 5:45 P.M. EDT and lightning striking a house in Norwich, CT at 7:15 P.M. EDT.
Hail was a significant feature of the severe weather in New England, particularly in Maine and New Hampshire. Below is a summary of hail reports in the specified regions:
Maine
Albany, Carroll County (17:52 EDT, 43.96°N, 71.16°W):
Size: 1.00 inch (quarter-sized)
Comments: Reported by amateur radio. No significant damage noted.
4 NE Eaton, Carroll County (17:55 EDT, 43.95°N, 71.05°W):
Size: 1.00 inch (quarter-sized)
Comments: No additional damage details provided.
2 S Cumberland, Cumberland County (19:00 EDT, 43.76°N, 70.27°W):
Size: 1.00 inch (quarter-sized)
Comments: Hail caused damage to a patio umbrella and gazebo roof. Time estimated by radar.
1 SW Falmouth, Cumberland County (19:05 EDT, 43.71°N, 70.26°W):
Size: 1.00 inch (quarter-sized)
Comments: Reported via mPING. No specific damage noted.
1 SSE Falmouth, Cumberland County (19:05 EDT, 43.72°N, 70.23°W):
Size: 1.50 inches (ping pong ball-sized)
Comments: Delayed report of large hail stones close to ping pong ball size. No specific damage reported.
New Hampshire
Sanbornton, Belknap County (21:10 EDT, 43.49°N, 71.58°W):
Size: 1.50 inches (ping pong ball-sized)
Comments: Reported by amateur radio. No specific damage noted.
1 S Hill, Merrimack County (21:10 EDT, 43.52°N, 71.70°W):
Size: 1.50 inches (ping pong ball-sized)
Comments: Hail shattered a car windshield, indicating significant impact.
Gilmanton, Belknap County (21:20 EDT, 43.42°N, 71.41°W):
Size: 1.25 inches (half dollar-sized)
Comments: Hail lasted 7–8 minutes. No specific structural damage reported.
4 SE Laconia, Belknap County (21:21 EDT and 21:23 EDT, 43.49°N, 71.41°W):
Size: 1.75 inches (golf ball-sized)
Comments: Reported by weather spotter. Two reports at the same location, with the second correcting the first. No specific damage noted.
1 NE Belmont, Belknap County (21:22 EDT, 43.46°N, 71.47°W):
Size: 1.50 inches (ping pong ball-sized)
Comments: No specific damage reported.
Analysis
Hail Size: Hail ranged from 1.00 inch (quarter-sized) to 1.75 inches (golf ball-sized), with the largest hail reported in Laconia, NH. Larger hail (1.50–1.75 inches) was concentrated in Belknap and Merrimack Counties, NH, indicating a more intense storm core in this area.
Impacts: Notable damage included a shattered car windshield in Hill, NH, and damage to a patio umbrella and gazebo roof in Cumberland, ME. These incidents suggest that hail was large enough to cause property damage, particularly to vehicles and lightweight structures.
Geographic Spread: Hail reports were concentrated in southern Maine (Carroll and Cumberland Counties) and central New Hampshire (Belknap and Merrimack Counties), suggesting a storm track moving through these regions.
Wind Reports/Damaging winds were a major component of the severe weather, causing widespread tree and power line damage across New England and New York. Specific wind speeds were not always reported, with many incidents labeled as "UNK" (unknown speed). Below is a detailed summary:
Maine
2 W Steep Falls, York County (18:36 EDT and 18:37 EDT, 43.78°N, 70.68°W):
Comments: Multiple trees down near Hanscom School Rd, including a large pine tree. Time estimated by radar.
2 S East Baldwin, York County (18:38 EDT, 43.78°N, 70.68°W):
Comments: Large pine tree snapped near the base, taking down wires. Time estimated by radar.
4 W and 5 W North Windham, Cumberland County (18:40 EDT, 43.83°N, 70.52°W and 43.84°N, 70.53°W):
Comments: Trees fell on houses on Ridge Rd and Leisure Lane. Time estimated by radar.
1 S South Windham, Cumberland County (18:53 EDT, 43.72°N, 70.42°W):
Comments: Multiple large trees down, including one on a house on Canal St and another on Mosher Rd, where a roof was also damaged. Time estimated by radar.
4 ENE South Windham, Cumberland County (18:53 EDT, 43.75°N, 70.35°W):
Comments: Four large trees down across Mast Rd. Time estimated by radar.
3 E South Windham, Cumberland County (18:56 EDT, 43.75°N, 70.36°W):
Comments: Multiple trees down on houses along Route 302 in Windham, near the Westbrook line. Time estimated by radar.
1 SE Falmouth, Cumberland County (19:05 EDT, 43.72°N, 70.23°W):
Comments: Partial flat roof blown off a building on Fundy Road; additional trees down along Foreside Road. Time estimated by radar.
2 E Westbrook, Cumberland County (20:43 EDT, 43.68°N, 70.34°W):
Comments: Delayed report of multiple trees down in the Meicher Court and Railway Avenue area, with one tree falling into a home. Time estimated by radar.
2 ESE Garland, Penobscot County (00:39 EDT, 45.03°N, 69.12°W):
Comments: Delayed report of a tree down on Corinth Road, reported by Garland Fire. Time estimated by radar.
New Hampshire
Sanbornton, Belknap County (21:00 EDT, 43.49°N, 71.58°W):
Comments: Extensive tree damage blocking multiple roads, with downed power lines and trees on homes and vehicles. Time estimated by radar.
4 WSW Hill, Merrimack County (21:00 EDT, 43.51°N, 71.77°W):
Comments: Tree down on a house; Fire Department dispatched. Time estimated by radar.
1 W Sanbornton, Belknap County (21:02 EDT, 43.49°N, 71.60°W):
Comments: Tree down blocking one lane of Interstate 93 northbound. Time estimated by radar.
1 WSW Franklin, Merrimack County (21:05 EDT, 43.44°N, 71.66°W):
Comments: Trees and wires down on a home, reported by dispatch. Time estimated by radar.
2 E Sanbornton, Belknap County (21:10 EDT, 43.48°N, 71.54°W):
Comments: Large tree down blocking the intersection of Grange St and Lancaster Hill Rd. Time estimated by radar.
2 SE Laconia, Belknap County (21:17 EDT, 43.51°N, 71.45°W):
Comments: Trees and branches down on Morin Rd and NH Highway 107. Time estimated by radar.
1 NE Gilmanton, Belknap County (21:30 EDT, 43.44°N, 71.39°W):
Comments: Large tree crushed a parked car on Sawtooth Rd. Time estimated by radar.
1 S Milford, Hillsborough County (22:26 EDT, 42.82°N, 71.66°W):
Comments: Large tree crushed a garage, reported by weather spotter. Time estimated by radar.
3 N Tyngsboro, Hillsborough County (22:44 EDT, 42.72°N, 71.40°W):
Comments: Large tree partially blocking Musguash Road, reported by weather spotter. Time estimated by radar.
Vermont
Saxtons River, Windham County (21:00 EDT, 43.14°N, 72.51°W):
Comments: Downed tree on a house. No further details provided.
Massachusetts
1 ENE Lee, Berkshire County (20:39 EDT, 42.31°N, 73.23°W):
Comments: A couple of trees and a large branch down on Prospect Street, William Parkway, and the Massachusetts Turnpike westbound.
2 S Belchertown, Hampshire County (21:30 EDT, 42.24°N, 72.41°W):
Comments: Several trees down near Turkey Hill Road, Chauncey Walker Street, Summir Street, and Shaw Road, with one tree falling on a car.
1 ENE Lowell, Middlesex County (23:05 EDT, 42.65°N, 71.31°W):
Comments: Tree and multiple power lines down.
Dracut, Middlesex County (23:05 EDT, 42.67°N, 71.30°W):
Comments: Tree down blocking a road. No further details provided.
Weston, Middlesex County (23:12 EDT, 42.37°N, 71.27°W):
Comments: Tree down near Newton Street and Route 30.
Topsfield, Essex County (23:23 EDT, 42.64°N, 70.96°W):
Comments: Tree down blocking the road near Linebrook and Haverhill Road.
Middleton, Essex County (23:25 EDT, 42.60°N, 71.02°W):
Comments: Tree and wires down. No further details provided.
Andover, Essex County (23:25 EDT, 42.66°N, 71.14°W):
Comments: Tree down blocking part of a road.
Beverly, Essex County (23:40 EDT, 42.56°N, 70.88°W):
Comments: Several trees down across town.
Boston, Suffolk County (23:42 EDT, 42.35°N, 71.07°W):
Comments: Tree and wires down; another tree down on two cars on Durnell Avenue.
3 NNE Rockland, Plymouth County (00:00 EDT, 42.18°N, 70.89°W):
Comments: Tree downed on wires near Whiting Street in Hingham. Relayed by amateur radio.
2 WSW Hanover, Plymouth County (00:03 EDT, 42.11°N, 70.85°W):
Comments: Tree down. No further details provided.
Connecticut
2 NW Granby, Hartford County (21:45 EDT, 41.97°N, 72.81°W):
Comments: Three trees downed on power lines on Bushy Hill Road. Relayed by amateur radio.
Enfield, Hartford County (21:50 EDT, 41.97°N, 72.57°W):
Comments: A few trees down on top of wires.
South Windsor, Hartford County (22:00 EDT, 41.82°N, 72.62°W):
Comments: A tree down on wires; another tree down on a house.
3 SW Somers, Tolland County (22:00 EDT, 41.95°N, 72.48°W):
Comments: Tree downed on a car near Pinney Road. No injuries reported. Time estimated by radar. Relayed by amateur radio.
1 E Rockville, Tolland County (22:05 EDT, 41.87°N, 72.45°W):
Comments: A tree was downed, and a power line was snapped near Ward Street in Vernon. Relayed by amateur radio.
1 NNW Willimantic, Tolland County (22:45 EDT, 41.73°N, 72.23°W):
Comments: Tree downed on wires on Pleasant Valley Road at Mansfield Avenue in Mansfield. Relayed by amateur radio.
2 WNW Willimantic AP, Tolland County (22:45 EDT, 41.76°N, 72.22°W):
Comments: Downed power lines and a tree on Browns Road in Mansfield, which was blocking the road. Corrected from a previous report.
5 NNE Salem, New London County (22:55 EDT, 41.55°N, 72.24°W):
Comments: Tree limbs down causing a power outage, reported by Eversource.
1 WSW Franklin, New London County (23:00 EDT, 41.59°N, 72.15°W):
Comments: Tree branch down on wires on Champion Road, making the road impassable.
1 SW Franklin, New London County (23:00 EDT, 41.59°N, 72.16°W):
Comments: Tree and wires down on CT 87.
New York
3 NE Charleston Four Corners, Montgomery County (18:42 EDT, 42.84°N, 74.36°W):
Comments: Downed tree. No further details provided.
2 ENE Charleston Four Corners, Montgomery County (18:44 EDT, 42.81°N, 74.36°W):
Comments: Downed tree. No further details provided.
2 WNW Rotterdam Junction, Schenectady County (19:00 EDT, 42.89°N, 74.08°W):
Comments: Downed tree and wires in Pattersonville.
2 SW South Glens Falls, Saratoga County (19:24 EDT, 43.27°N, 73.66°W):
Comments: Pole and wires down in the woods.
Nassau, Rensselaer County (20:05 EDT, 42.51°N, 73.61°W):
Comments: Tree and wires down near New York Route 203 and Alter Alley Way.
4 E Stephentown, Rensselaer County (20:12 EDT, 42.54°N, 73.36°W):
Comments: Downed tree across Route 22 and Provost Road.
4 NW Becket, Berkshire County (20:45 EDT, 42.36°N, 73.14°W):
Comments: Tree down on wires blocking Washington Mountain Road.
No tornadoes were reported in New England or New York State on July 20, 2025.
Analysis and Impacts/Geographic Distribution
Maine: The most significant impacts were in Cumberland and York Counties, with multiple reports of trees down on houses, roads, and power lines. Hail was reported in Carroll and Cumberland Counties, with notable damage in Cumberland. A single report from Penobscot County indicated late-night tree damage.
New Hampshire: Belknap and Merrimack Counties experienced the most severe impacts, with large hail (up to golf ball-sized) and extensive tree damage. Reports included trees crushing vehicles, homes, and garages, as well as road blockages. Hillsborough County also reported significant tree damage.
Vermont: Only one report from Windham County noted a tree on a house, suggesting less widespread impact compared to other states.
Massachusetts: Impacts were widespread, with tree and wire damage reported across Berkshire, Hampshire, Middlesex, Essex, Suffolk, and Plymouth Counties. Notable incidents included trees on houses and cars, particularly in urban areas like Boston.
Connecticut: Hartford, Tolland, and New London Counties reported tree and wire damage, with some trees falling on houses and cars. No significant structural damage beyond trees was noted.
New York: Impacts were less severe, with tree and wire damage reported in Montgomery, Schenectady, Saratoga, Rensselaer, and Berkshire Counties. No major structural damage was noted.
Impacts
Property Damage: Trees falling on houses, cars, and garages were common across the region, particularly in Maine (Cumberland, York), New Hampshire (Belknap, Merrimack), and Massachusetts (Suffolk, Essex). Hail damage was reported in Maine (gazebo and patio umbrella) and New Hampshire (car windshield).
Power Outages: Downed trees and wires caused power outages, notably in Connecticut (Salem, Franklin) and New York (Nassau, Rotterdam Junction). Specific outage numbers were not provided in most cases.
Road Blockages: Trees and branches blocked roads in multiple locations, including Interstate 93 in New Hampshire, Route 302 in Maine, and various local roads across the region.
Hail Damage: The largest hail (1.75 inches) was reported in Laconia, NH, with significant damage (e.g., shattered windshield) noted in Hill, NH. Hail in Maine caused minor property damage.
Storm Characteristics
The storms produced hail up to 1.75 inches and strong winds, though specific wind speeds were rarely quantified in New England and New York (unlike other regions, where gusts reached 72 mph). The widespread tree damage suggests wind gusts likely exceeded 50–60 mph in many cases.
The storm track appeared to move from southwest to northeast, with earlier impacts in southern Maine and New York (18:36–19:00 EDT) and later impacts in northern New Hampshire and eastern Massachusetts (21:00–23:42 EDT).
