Severe Thunderstorm Claims Lives in Central New York
ONEIDA COUNTY, NY — A devastating thunderstorm led to the tragic deaths of three individuals in central New York, prompting a rare flash flood emergency. The storm brought as much as five inches of rain on Sunday, resulting in floods that covered roads and infiltrated homes.
A report from the National Weather Service in Binghamton indicates that the Oneida County emergency manager confirmed three fatalities before 4 a.m. Sunday, following a fierce storm that impacted at least two structures near Clark Mills, New York.
Fox Weather reached out to Oneida County officials to independently verify the reported deaths linked to these storms.
Officials noted that the thunderstorms affected over 30,000 individuals and caused considerable damage in towns such as Kirkland, Lee, Westmoreland, and Trenton. Crews from National Grid are actively working to restore electrical service.
“We are doing everything possible to respond quickly and safely to the aftermath of these storms,” Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. remarked in a statement. “Our emergency teams are clearing roads, coordinating with utility workers, and assessing the needs of affected communities. I urge everyone to remain vigilant, steer clear of downed power lines, and give the crews the room they need to operate effectively.”
The same storm system brought rain throughout central New York into Sunday morning.
Before 9 a.m., the NWS office in Binghamton declared a flash flood emergency in Chenango County.
According to the NWS, 3-5 inches of rain had already fallen, resulting in severe flash flooding and reports of water entering homes, with at least ten individuals stranded in the rising waters.
Flooding was reported in areas like Norwich, Sherburn, and New Berlin.
Chenango County is now under emergency conditions due to the flooding.
“This is a flash flood emergency in Chenango County,” the NWS cautioned. “This is a particularly perilous situation. Seek higher ground immediately!”
The strong storms also triggered flash floods in nearby regions, including Madison County. Video footage captured floods surging through a farm in Morrisville, New York.
New York’s Department of Transportation crews spent Sunday morning clearing debris from roadways, as thunderstorms in the same system resulted in nearly 20 wind-related damage reports further north in the state.
Flash flood warnings are set to continue into Sunday afternoon for parts of Bloom and Tioga counties in central New York, as well as Susquehanna and Wayne counties in northeastern Pennsylvania.
