High winds during thunderstorms cause severe damage in Madison County, leaves 1 dead

The only tornado in Central New York on Tuesday devastated Rome , but other areas were also hit hard by high winds from thunderstorms, with the area’s only death reported in Canastota.

Robert Popple, 82, was found dead outside his home after a severe thunderstorm passed on Tuesday afternoon. Neighbors said he went outside to check on an antique car, Gov. Kathy Hochul said during a news conference in Rome.

“That’s only speculation,” said Samantha Field, a spokeswoman for Madison County. “No one saw what happened.”

His death was definitely storm-related, though, she said.

Oneida bears the brunt

The area around Route 5 and Route I-90 in northern Madison County were the hardest hit with the village of Canastota and the city of Oneida bearing the brunt of the damage, county officials reported.

At least five buildings on Barlow Street in Canastota — which was evacuated Tuesday — in Canastota have been condemned.

A shelter is open in the Canastota VFW Post at 3835 Canal Rd. in Canastota.

And Barlow Street, Main Street between Center Street and James Street; and Buck Street from Center to Barlow Street in the village are all closed.

A state of emergency remains in effect in Canastota, at least until Thursday morning, Field said.

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family of Mr. Popple and all of our residents who are suffering from this tragic event,” Canastota Mayor Roseanne Warner said in a statement. “The Village of Canastota is currently assessing the damages and any residents who need assistance are encouraged to contact the village office.”

Other damage in northern Madison County included broken power lines, downed trees and damage to structure, county officials said.

Resource issues

National Grid shut off gas service for about 100 customers in Rome and 20 in Canastota because of safety concerns due to damaged and collapsed buildings, the company said.

And it reported 188,000 customers left without power after the storms with the hardest hit areas in Madison, Oneida and Onondaga counties in Central New York and in Albany, Montgomery, Saratoga, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Warren and Washington counties in eastern New York.

In Oneida, crews were out assessing the damage on Wednesday, Mayor Rick Rossi said. The city opened Chapman Pool and the Oneida Recreation Center on Wednesday afternoon to give residents places to cool off.

The city also distributed water and dry ice to residents without power.

More: NY declares state of emergency after tornado and storm damage. Here's what it means

More: Community Foundation establishes fund to aid Rome in aftermath of tornado. How to help

The county is also working on a plan to collect donations for those affected by the storm, officials said.

“I’m heartbroken by the loss of life caused by this storm,” Madison County Board Chairman James Cunningham said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have been impacted by this devastating storm. Madison County has been and working closely with emergency responders.

“Our priority is the safety and well-being of our community members. I want to thank all the first responders who are working tirelessly to help our residents.”

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: High winds during thunderstorms cause severe damage in Madison County, leaves 1 dead