UPDATE: State of Emergency in Canastota due to storm damage

(UPDATED JULY 17, 2024 – 9:55 A.M.)

Wampsville, NY – At around 3:00 PM Tuesday, July 16, 2024, a severe thunderstorm hit Madison County.  The most impacted area of the County was the northern part around the Route 5 and I-90 corridor.

The Village of Canastota and the City of Oneida are the areas with the worst damage.  Both areas suffered broken power lines, downed trees, and some structure damage.  The hardest hit area was the Village of Canastota on Barlow Street. 

Unfortunately, there was a storm related death in the Village of Canastota.  Robert Popple, 82-years-old of Main Street in Canastota was found deceased following the storm. 

At this time there is still a State of Emergency in effect for the Village of Canastota.  The following roads are closed in Canastota:

– Barlow Street
– Main Street between Center Street and Railroad Street
– Buck Street from Center Street to Barlow Street

Crews are out today beginning clean-up efforts.  There is still a shelter open for those who need may need assistance at the Canastota VFW at 3835 Canal Rd in Canastota.  The Red Cross has food and lodging available at that location. Also, the Canastota Pool is open on Wednesday, as well as the Canastota Library if people need a place to cool off.

A coordinated effort for donations for those impacted by the storm is being worked out, details are forthcoming. 

“I’m heartbroken by the loss of life caused by this storm,” said Madison County Board Chairman James Cunningham. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have been impacted by this devastating storm. Madison County has been and working closely with emergency responders.  Our priority is the safety and well-being of our community members.  I want to thank all the first responders who are working tirelessly to help our residents.”

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family of Mr. Popple and all of our residents who are suffering from this tragic event,” said Village of Canastota Mayor Rosanne Warner.  “The Village of Canastota is currently assessing the damages and any residents who need assistance are encourage to contact the Village Office.”

Mayor Rick Rossi from the City of Oneida says that crews are out assessing the damage and beginning clean up.  The city is in touch with National Grid about the power outages as well, but there is not yet an estimated time of restoration.   For people looking for a place to cool off, Chapman Pool will be open from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM.  Also, the Oneida Rec Center at 217 Cedar St, Oneida, NY 13421 will be open from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM, at that time there will also be a water and dry ice distribution for those without power. 

Updates will be sent out as we have them. 

Press release provided by the Madison County Public Information Office.

ORIGINAL POST (JULY 16, 2024)

A State of Emergency has been issued for the Village of Canastota and Town of Lenox until 8:00 a.m. Wednesday due to the severe storms which passed through the village Tuesday afternoon.

There are numerous trees and wires down in our community. Several roads are impassable. Crews will be assessing the damage throughout Tuesday evening and into Wednesday.

One person has passed away as a result of the storm. No other major injuries have been reported.

Barlow Street in the Village of Canastota is under mandatory evacuation. There is shelter set up at the Canastota VFW, located at 3835 Canal Road, for anyone who is in need of assistance.

There is to be no unnecessary travel in the neighborhoods in and around Barlow Street at this time. Please obey all barricades and caution tape when traveling through the village. The Canastota DPW has removed most of the storm debris from the roadways, but drivers are advised to use caution until further notice.