A series of powerful storms, including at least four confirmed tornadoes, ripped through New York State overnight, causing widespread damage and claiming at least one life. The New York tornado outbreak has also left hundreds of thousands without power and prompted Governor Kathy Hochul to declare a state of emergency.
The National Weather Service confirmed tornado touchdowns in Rome and multiple locations in Hamilton and Warren counties. The city of Rome, located northwest of Utica, was particularly hard hit. Mayor Jeffrey Lanigan described the scene as resembling “a war zone.”
According to NBC News, the storms’ intensity was evident in Rome, where winds reaching nearly 80 mph overturned vehicles, uprooted trees, and even moved a B-52 bomber display at the former Griffiss Air Force Base.
The village of Canastota in Madison County reported one fatality related to the storms. Local authorities implemented a state of emergency, with one street under mandatory evacuation orders.
The power grid also suffered significant damage, leaving over 110,000 New York residents without electricity. Governor Hochul mentioned that Central New York, Mohawk Valley, and the Southern Tier were the hardest-hit regions.
Most communities have begun to assess the damage. Meteorologists still warn that more storms and heavy rain are forecast for Wednesday. The National Weather Service team from Binghamton will be conducting further inspections of the areas affected by the New York tornado.
Governor Hochul urged residents to remain vigilant and follow local emergency instructions.
“We are deploying assistance for localities as severe weather continues to move across the state,” she stated. “Continue to monitor your local weather forecasts & give first responders room to do their work.”
The full extent of the damage and the long-term impact on the region are still being evaluated.