Storm damage in Canastota consistent with a tornado, National Weather Service confirms

WAMPSVILLE, N.Y. — The National Weather Service in Binghamton confirmed Thursday that the damage in Canastota from Tuesday’s big storm is consistent with a tornado after conducting a storm survey, Madison County officials said.

At around 3 p.m. on July 16, a severe storm hit the county with the most-impacted area located in the north around the Route 5 and I-90 corridor, including the village of Canastota and city of Oneida.

Both areas suffered broken power lines, downed trees, and some structure damage. The worst damage was seen on Barlow Street in Canastota.

One storm-related death, 82-year-old Robert Popple of Canastota, was reported.

While the county lifted the state of emergency that had been in effect in Canastota since Tuesday, Barlow Street remains closed to pedestrian and vehicle traffic as National Grid is there working on clean up and power restoration.

The Red Cross is operating a shelter at the Canastota VFW, 3835 Canal Rd., for those who need food and/or lodging.

“I’m heartbroken by the loss of life caused by this storm,” Madison County Board Chairman James Cunningham said in a county news release. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have been impacted by this devastating storm.”

To the east, the city of Rome was impacted by what the National Weather Service later confirmed was an EF2 tornado at 3:25 p.m. the same day. The tornado damaged 22 buildings in downtown Rome, as well as numerous homes. It also topped trees, tore off roofs, and even moved the 183,000-pound B-52 bomber jet at Griffiss Business & Technology Park off its concrete base.

Gov. Kathy Hochul toured the city on July 17 and has pledged state support. The state, with help from local municipalities, is tallying the damage to public property from the storm, combining both Rome and Canastota, to see if it reaches the $37 million threshold minimum to request a federal disaster declaration.