Severe Storms Cause Multiple Fatalities and Extensive Flooding in Central New York

Central New York experienced a series of intense thunderstorms on Sunday, leading to three deaths, widespread flooding, and power outages. The storm system prompted a rare Flash Flood Emergency as floodwaters inundated roads and entered homes across the region.

Early Sunday morning near Clark Mills, emergency officials reported that severe storms had knocked down numerous trees, impacting at least two structures and resulting in three fatalities. Authorities are working to confirm these reports.

Throughout the affected areas, more than 30,000 residents lost power, particularly in the towns of Kirkland, Lee, Westmoreland, and Trenton, as utility crews mobilized to restore electricity. Emergency officials urged residents to steer clear of downed power lines and allow crews space to complete repairs.

The same storm system brought heavy rain, with central New York receiving up to 5 inches, causing dangerous flash flooding across multiple communities including Norwich, Sherburne, and New Berlin. In Chenango County, a Flash Flood Emergency was issued, warning residents of perilous conditions with water overrun roads, stranded individuals, and homes inundated. Authorities advised seeking higher ground immediately.

Further north, roads near Utica were obstructed by fallen trees, and cleanup crews were dispatched to clear debris from highways.

In addition to the emergency areas, parts of Madison County experienced rushing floodwaters on farms, illustrating the widespread impact of the storms. Flood warnings extended into Sunday afternoon across Broome, Tioga, Susquehanna, and Wayne counties, as the heavy rain continued to threaten the region.