Wind, rain, and funnel clouds have hit parts of western and central New York for the second consecutive week, recently affecting Canandaigua in Ontario County and Rome in Oneida County.
Here’s a summary of the latest events, including a tornado in Canandaigua on Monday afternoon and a severe thunderstorm and tornado in Rome on Tuesday.
Rome NY Tornado Confirmed as EF-2
The National Weather Service determined an EF-2 tornado touched down Tuesday afternoon in Rome, Oneida County, with peak winds of 135 mph.
The tornado hit at 3:25 p.m., stayed on the ground for 10 minutes, and traveled 5.25 miles. It had a width of 300 yards. No injuries or fatalities were reported.
The funnel touched down between the Erie Canal and Muck Road, traveling northeast through the City of Rome before lifting near Griffiss International Airport. The tornado damaged two churches, tearing off roofs, caused collapse of exterior walls on several buildings, crushed multiple vehicles, uprooted trees, and impaled buildings with flying debris.
An EF-2 tornado has wind speeds of 111 to 135 mph, strong enough to rip roofs off structures.
Assessment in Rome NY
The National Weather Service in Binghamton continued to assess storm damage in Rome, finding damage consistent with an EF-2 rating, with wind speeds up to 135 mph. A final report is expected shortly.
Storm Damage Photos and Confirmations
The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado touched down in Rome at 3:25 p.m. Tuesday. A team is surveying the damage in Oneida County and will issue a full report soon.
Hinckley Reservoir in Herkimer County Closed
State officials temporarily closed Hinckley Reservoir Day Use Area in Cold Brook, Herkimer County, due to storm damage. The roads to the facility are badly damaged and impassable.
New York Declares State of Emergency
A state of emergency has been declared across New York after strong storms, including nine confirmed tornadoes, caused significant damage. One of the most recent tornadoes struck Canandaigua.
Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized the readiness to assist affected localities and urged New Yorkers to monitor local weather forecasts.
Governor Hochul to Address Storm Damage
Governor Kathy Hochul is scheduled to brief the media on storm damage and cleanup efforts in Oneida County. The conference will start at 11:30 a.m. on West Liberty Street in Rome.
Rome Mayor: “It Looks Like a War Zone”
Rome Mayor Jeffrey Lanigan described the aftermath as a “war zone.” Griffiss Air Field has been transformed into a command center and relief station for residents. Authorities issued a “no unnecessary travel” order.
Cleanup and Power Outages
Cleanup is expected to take weeks, according to Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente. Over 20,700 National Grid customers in Oneida County remained without power, with half in Rome. Statewide, 75,000 National Grid customers were affected.
Damage and Tornado Confirmation in Rome
Many officials believe a tornado formed during Tuesday’s thunderstorm. The National Weather Service will survey the damage and make a determination by Wednesday evening.
Trees were uprooted, power lines knocked down, and buildings heavily damaged in Rome. Several churches lost their roofs and steeples. A massive mural was also destroyed, leaving only the horse’s feet visible.
A state of emergency and curfew have been declared in Rome. City and county offices and courthouses are closed and services moved to Utica.
Tornado in Cortland County
The Weather Service confirmed an EF-0 tornado touched down in Virgil, Cortland County, on Monday evening. It had winds reaching 80 mph, traveled 7.5 miles, and lasted 12 minutes. It damaged numerous trees and roofs of several homes.
Damage in Canandaigua
An EF-0 tornado with winds of 75 mph touched down in Canandaigua on Monday at 4:48 p.m., lasting two minutes and traveling .7 miles. It damaged trees, homes, and utility poles along the northern shore of Canandaigua Lake.