Picente: “We Will Get Through This Together And Be Stronger For It”

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. provided a comprehensive update today on the county’s response to the deadly tornado and severe storms that tore through the region early Sunday morning, causing widespread destruction and tragic loss of life.

Speaking from the County Executive’s Conference Room in the County Office Building, Picente offered condolences for the three individuals who lost their lives when an EF-1 tornado struck the Clark Mills area: 50-year-old Shelly Johnson and 6-year-old twin sisters Emily and Kenni Bisson.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those we lost,” Picente said. “All of Oneida County mourns with them.”

The tornado in Clark Mills was part of a larger storm system that impacted multiple areas across Oneida County, including Rome, Utica, Kirkland, Westmoreland and communities in the North Country. The storms brought down trees and powerlines, damaged homes and structures and caused significant localized flooding. The devastation hit in the early morning hours under the cover of darkness, affecting approximately 40,000 residents who were initially left without power and making many roads impassable.

“We find ourselves in a situation similar to last year’s tornado in Rome, but with even broader impact,” Picente said. “Once again, Oneida County acted swiftly to support the municipalities affected, and I declared a State of Emergency yesterday that will remain in effect for the next 30 days.”

At the time of the press conference, around 15,000 customers remained without power, but National Grid anticipated restoring service to 90% of those by the end of the day.

Six county roads remain closed due to downed powerlines:

• West South Street in Westmoreland (Fairway Drive to Deans Highway)
• Dix Road in Westmoreland (Lawrence Street to Bartlett Road)
• Lawrence Street in Rome & Westmoreland (Dewey Road to Dix Road)
• Buck Hill Road in Western & Steuben (State Route 46 to North Steuben Road)
• Taberg-Florence Road in Florence & Camden (Skinner Settlement Road to Wolcott Hill Road)
• McConnellsville Road in Vienna (Kimball Road to Teelin Road)

Adding to the hardship is a severe heatwave, with temperatures expected in the 90s through Tuesday and upper 80s on Wednesday. To help residents stay safe, multiple cooling centers have been established throughout the county, with a full list available here.

Additionally, National Grid has opened a water distribution site at the Kirkland Senior Center, and the American Red Cross has set up a 24-hour emergency shelter at St. Joseph’s Church in Rome.

Beginning Tuesday, Oneida County will offer on-site assistance and support services from the Departments of Health, Mental Health and Family and Community Services at the following locations:

• Kirkland Senior Center (2 Mill St., Clark Mills)
• Connected Community Schools in Rome (207 N. James Street, Rome)

These services will be available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily throughout the week. Assistance is also available at the County Office Building in Utica.

In addition, the County is partnering once again with the Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties to establish a recovery fund for storm victims who may not qualify for traditional government assistance. Eligible residents will be able to apply for up to $5,000 to help cover:

• Insurance deductibles
• Electrical hook-ups
• Home security measures
• Relocation costs
• Moderate repairs
• Tree removal
• Dumpster rentals

Details about the application process will be released in the coming days.

Anyone in need of assistance related to Sunday’s storms can call the Oneida County Help Line at 315-798-5502, which will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. starting Tuesday and throughout the week.

“I want to thank our first responders, utility crews, and public works teams for their tireless efforts to clear roads, restore power, and care for our residents,” Picente said. “Oneida County is here to help in every way possible. As always, we will get through this together—and be stronger for it.”

Video from today’s update briefing is available here.