The storm caused severe damage in some areas

Update 6:14pm: Governor Hochul says she has deployed the NYS Police and other agencies to help in Oneida County

Just spoke with the Mayor of Rome & the Oneida County Executive about damage caused by severe thunderstorms & an expected tornado.

I pledged the full support of the state & have deployed resources from @nyspolice & other agencies as their communities recover.

— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) July 16, 2024

As the heat index rose and the potential for storms grew, a tornado has been confirmed in Rome, NY - just north of Utica. Photos from the scene show a church with its roof and steeple torn off, numerous downed trees and power lines, overturned vehicles - even a B-52 bomber on display at the Air Force base was moved by the strong winds. 

Holy crap, Rome, NY, just got slammed by an EF2 tornado. 🌪 pic.twitter.com/PLQ4WfMyCQ

— Madness Hero Vs. Babylon 🐦‍⬛✝️🕊 (@MadnessHeroX) July 16, 2024

Tornado damage in rome#wx #tornado #nywx #pawx #sever pic.twitter.com/pI8Yxqg0Nd

— Nemanja'WX (@NemanjaWx) July 16, 2024

@NWSBinghamton #nywx Rome Ny, B52 on display shifted off its base and spun around as a result of Tornado pic.twitter.com/nC6IP1PK8a

— Jonathan Fossel (@JonathanFossel) July 16, 2024

My goodness. More terrible pictures of major damage in the Rome, NY area where a tornado warning was in effect during this storm.

This is the Paul Rever Mural on brick wall torn apart on Dominick Street. Right in front of the Capitol Theatre. https://t.co/LbEGhj8SCq pic.twitter.com/QMqKrbj9F1

— Meteorologist Peter Hall (@PeteWeatherBeat) July 16, 2024

Dashcam footage of my drive on Rt. 365 from Rome, NY to Verona, NY at 3:24pm today. Had no place to safely turn so drove slow. Didn't know about tornado hitting Rome until I got home. @NWS @NWStornado #Tornado #Wx pic.twitter.com/Ix7XkkhFFe

— Fritz Scherz (@FritzScherz) July 16, 2024