Rome Ravaged by Tornado: Historical Landmarks and Churches Destroyed

Rome, a city in upstate New York, was devastated by a confirmed tornado as vehicles were overturned and debris littered the streets, impacting historical landmarks and churches.

The intense winds of the tornado caused the toppling of a tourist attraction, a B-52 bomber, located at Griffiss Business and Technology Park. Famous churches like First Presbyterian Church and St. Mary’s Church, both dating back to the 1800s, experienced crumbling steeples and torn-apart roofs.

Residents, such as Barb Mulvey, expressed heartbreak over the damage witnessed in Rome, emphasizing the significance of these historical buildings.

Gov. Kathy Hochul toured the affected areas, mentioning the city of Canastota, where an 82-year-old man tragically lost his life due to storm debris. She noted the miraculous absence of fatalities in Rome despite the extensive destruction.

The National Weather Service in Binghamton continued assessments of the tornado that struck Rome, with preliminary reports suggesting an EF-2 rating with wind speeds up to 135 mph.

State officials had to close the Folk School Reunion site in Cold Brook, Herkimer County, due to severe storm damage. The unforgiving weather patterns have led to a series of tornadoes across the Empire State.

Rome Mayor Jeffrey Lanigan described the city as resembling a ‘war zone,’ highlighting the extensive devastation that will require weeks of cleanup. Over 20,700 National Grid customers in Oneida County were still without power following the storm.