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.