Severe Thunderstorms Hit Central New York
On a tumultuous Sunday in central New York, severe thunderstorms wreaked havoc, resulting in three reported fatalities and heavy rainfall of up to five inches. This unprecedented weather event triggered a Flash Flood Emergency, particularly impacting Oneida County, where floodwaters inundated roads and entered homes. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Binghamton, New York, confirmed that emergency management reported these casualties after storms downed multiple trees onto structures near Clark Mills around 4 a.m. ET. FOX Weather has sought independent verification of these fatalities from Oneida County officials, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The aftermath of the thunderstorms left substantial damage across the region, with over 30,000 residents in Oneida County experiencing power outages. The counties of Kirkland, Lee, Westmoreland, and Trenton suffered significantly from the storm. In a reassuring statement, Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. emphasized the dedication of emergency teams on the ground. The efforts included clearing roadways and coordinating with utility crews to restore power. He urged citizens to remain vigilant, stay clear of downed power lines, and allow emergency crews the space they needed to operate safely and efficiently.
As the storm unfolded throughout the morning, the NWS issued a Flash Flood Emergency for Chenango County shortly before 9 a.m. ET. With 3 to 5 inches of rain already reported, the situation escalated to major flash flooding. Roads and bridges became overrun with water, trapping at least 10 individuals. Notable areas facing flooding included Norwich, Sherburne, and New Berlin, reinforcing the urgent need for residents to seek higher ground.
Chenango County officially declared a state of emergency due to the severe flooding. The NWS cautioned that this Flash Flood Emergency presented a particularly dangerous situation, urging citizens to act quickly in seeking safety. The regions outside the declared emergency, such as Madison County, also faced significant impacts, with reports highlighting strong winds and flooding, including video footage showing fierce floodwaters on a farm located in Morrisville, New York.
In response to this complex weather pattern, crews from the New York Department of Transportation worked tirelessly to clear debris from affected roadways. The thunderstorms earlier that morning had already produced reports of damaging winds and wind damage in northern parts of the state. Flash Flood Warnings extended into Sunday afternoon for various regions, including Broome and Tioga counties in central New York, as well as Susquehanna and Wayne counties in northeastern Pennsylvania.
As the recovery and restoration efforts continued, officials remained steadfast in their commitment to ensuring public safety. The storm served as a potent reminder of the strength and unpredictability of nature, urging all residents to stay informed, prepared, and cooperative with local authorities in navigating the aftermath of this intense weather situation.
