CLARK MILLS, N.Y. (NCC News) — A tornado touched down early Sunday morning in Oneida County and left three people dead, including two 6-year-old twin girls and a 50-year-old woman.
The tornado touched down at 3:48 a.m. The towns of Clark Mills and Kirkland felt much of the brute force of the105 mph winds that were recorded by the National Weather Service. The tornado hit Clinton Street, where it did the bulk of its damage, tearing down power lines, crashing trees and creating debris.
The storm caused multiple trees to collapse, and one hit the home of the two 6-year-old twin girls, leading to their death. Down the road in Kirkland, a tree caved in the roof of 50-year-old Shelly Johnson.
Starting Sunday morning, emergency services have been cleaning up the debris and working on restoring power for many of the residents who lost power during the storm.
The Oneida County community, since learning of the deaths of the two 6-year-old girls, has also started a GoFundMe fundraiser to support the family who lost their loved ones. As of Monday night, the fundraiser had garnered a total of $280,000 with the goal of raising $380,000.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: Deadly tornado strikes Oneida County killing 3 people
Andrew Watson: Sunday morning storms also had a tragic effect on Oneida County. Kye’l Torain is live from Oneida with more. Kye’l.
Kye’l Torain: I’m here in Clark Mills, where a fatal tornado killed two six-year-old twin girls. Last Sunday, at approximately four in the morning. EF1 tornado with peak winds of 105 mph, hit Oneida County and damaged houses, power lines, and created debris that covered the roads. The winds were only five miles away from being EF2. Two 6-year-old girls were killed, and across from Clinton Street in Kirkland, a 50-year-old woman, Shelly Johnson, had passed away after a tree collapsed on her house. Emergency services have been here trying to clean up since the morning on Sunday, and earlier today, I got to talk to one who was cleaning up and started all the way back at 7:00 today. So far, talking to some of the people in the community, they have banded together and have been able to come together and start a GoFundMe for the two six-year-old twin girls. Who at the at the moment the mothers have a GoFundMe that has a goal 300,000, but right now has only had, as last time I checked, which was around 2:00, has been about 230 K. Over a thousand people have still not had, energy and power to their homes, which at the moment seems it won’t happen until maybe Wednesday. Reporting live here at Clark Mills, I’m Kye’l Torain reporting for NCC News.
In a letter, Clinton Central School District Superintendent Christopher M. Clancy wrote, “With deep sorrow, I am writing to share heartbreaking news. Earlier today, a severe weather emergency in our community resulted in the tragic loss of life, including two of our elementary students. Our hearts are with all of the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy.”
The letter continues to announce that school on Monday was canceled, and middle and elementary schools will half days for Tuesday through Friday. Starting Tuesday, schools will provide trained counselors and support staff to any students who may need them, and will also offer a link to the school district’s social work web page for students who require additional support.
