Governor Hochul declares Statewide State of Emergency amidst widespread destruction from several severe thunderstorm systems, including confirmed tornado touchdowns

Governor Kathy Hochul declared a statewide State of Emergency on Tuesday in response to severe weather impacting communities across New York.

Areas in Central New York and the Mohawk Valley, including the City of Rome and areas nearby, have incurred severe damage due to high winds and storms, 

Meteorologist Bill Kardas (WKTV) confirms a tornado was on the ground in the city of Rome, NY Tuesday afternoon. 

There have been several reports circulating around on social media, including images and video clips of the damage, which has left the community in complete shock. 

Several residents throughout the central portion of Oneida County remain without power, according to National Grid. 

As a result of Tuesday's storms in Oneida County, local authorities have issued a no unnecessary travel advisory in or to the city of Rome, NY and surrounding areas. Furthermore:

• Call 211 for assistance.
• Please only call 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency.
• STAY AWAY from all downed powerlines. Consider them all active and call National Grid should you come across one.
• A shelter has been set up at 394 Hangar Road at the Griffiss Business in Rome for those who have been affected by today's severe weather. Pets are allowed.

Meanwhile, another storm system flooded out the Lewis County Fair on its opening day, cancelling the beloved and traditional parade.

Lewis County Fair image.

Lowville Fire Chief Joe Austin says his department team spent many hours pumping out flooded basements, although it was not as severe when compared to the flooding that blitzed the village only one-week-ago.

Here are the latest rescheduling announcements regarding the 203rd Lewis County Fair:

Lewis County Fair images.

We will bring you more updates as we broadcast live from the Forest Park Pavilion this week during the Lewis County Fair.

Headline image by Kim Myers.

*NOTE: This story was updated with additional information as of 6:22 a.m. Wednesday, July 17, 2024.