One Dead as Storms Cause Devastation and Leave Thousands Without Power

Albany, NY — A series of powerful storms swept through upstate New York on Tuesday, leaving a trail of destruction, causing widespread power outages, and resulting in at least one fatality. The severe weather prompted Governor Kathy Hochul to declare a state of emergency as utility crews and emergency responders worked tirelessly to restore normalcy.

The storms, which included possible tornadoes, wreaked havoc across the region, affecting more than 175,000 residents and businesses. The National Grid outage map indicated that over 100,000 customers were without power by Tuesday night, with the hardest-hit areas including Oneida County, where more than 20,000 homes and businesses were left in the dark.

Fatality and Damage

The storms claimed the life of one individual, although specific details regarding the circumstances of the death have not been released. The National Weather Service (NWS) reported wind gusts reaching up to 87 mph in some areas, toppling trees, flipping sheds, and causing significant structural damage.

In Edinburg, a town in the Capital Region, residents experienced unprecedented weather conditions. Thomas McGroder, a local resident and former police officer, described the storm as unlike anything he had ever seen. "I've never had it to a point where I'm like, 'oh s—, I'm getting to the basement now,'" McGroder recounted. His property suffered damage, with tree limbs crashing onto his new roof and outdoor furniture being tossed around.

Tornado Activity Suspected

The NWS is investigating reports of tornado activity, particularly in the Great Sacandaga Lake region, where winds were recorded at 73 mph. Meteorologist Stephen DiRienzo noted the possibility of tornado touchdowns but emphasized that radar data can sometimes be inconclusive. "There’s a chance that something touched down, but sometimes the radar doesn’t always give us the right information," DiRienzo explained.

Photographer Kim Koza, based in Day, NY, captured images of the aftermath, showing significant tree damage and structural impacts. "When I came up, I'm like, 'this is great' because we had a couple trees we were worried about and everything was fine and then I looked out," Koza said. "I saw my neighbor's place and she had a huge tree down and the doors were open to her house."

State of Emergency and Response

Governor Hochul's declaration of a state of emergency underscores the severity of the situation. "We are working with local officials to ensure that all necessary resources are available to assist in the recovery efforts," Hochul stated. The declaration facilitates the mobilization of state resources to aid in the cleanup and restoration efforts.

Utility crews from National Grid and other service providers are working around the clock to restore power. Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo indicated that it could take until Wednesday for crews to begin fixing the downed wires in areas like Day, Hadley, and Edinburg. "It’s going to be awhile," Zurlo remarked, highlighting the extensive damage to infrastructure.

Community Impact

The storms have left many residents stranded and dealing with significant property damage. Koza's husband, who works in Middleburgh, was unable to return home due to blocked roads. "There are people that are trapped and we're trapped. My husband can't get home," Koza shared, illustrating the immediate challenges faced by many families.

Local fire departments and highway crews are actively working to clear debris and reopen roadways. The community is rallying together, with neighbors helping each other navigate the aftermath of the storm.

As upstate New York begins the recovery process, the focus remains on restoring power, clearing debris, and assessing the full extent of the damage. The resilience and solidarity of the affected communities will be crucial in overcoming the challenges posed by this devastating weather event.