A confirmed tornado tore through the heart of Rome, New York, on Friday, July 28, leaving a trail of destruction and downed power lines in its path. The tornado, rated EF-2 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, brought winds of up to 125 miles per hour and uprooted trees, damaged homes and businesses, and left thousands without power.
The tornado struck Rome at approximately 5:30 PM EDT, moving through the city's densely populated downtown area. It touched down near the intersection of East Dominick Street and Erie Boulevard, and traveled for nearly a mile before dissipating.
Tornado Rips Through Rome, NY, Leaving Devastation in Its Wake
As the tornado swept through Rome, it snapped trees in half, causing them to crash down onto homes and vehicles. Roofing was torn off buildings, and windows were shattered. The Rome Free Academy, a local high school, sustained significant damage, with its roof partially collapsed.
Numerous businesses along East Dominick Street were also damaged. The Rome Home Center, a hardware store, had its roof torn off and its walls severely damaged. The Arby's restaurant nearby had its windows blown out and its exterior signage ripped away.
The Rome Police Department reported that there were no serious injuries as a result of the tornado. However, several people were treated for minor cuts and bruises.
Power outages affected over 10,000 customers in the Rome area. National Grid crews worked throughout the night to restore power, but some residents remained without electricity for several days.
The tornado also caused significant damage to the Rome State Custodial School, a state-run institution for people with developmental disabilities. The school's windows were blown out, and its roof was partially ripped off.
Governor Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency for Rome and the surrounding area, and the National Weather Service issued a disaster declaration. FEMA teams were dispatched to the city to assist with cleanup efforts.
The Rome community has rallied together in the wake of the tornado, with volunteers and businesses offering assistance to those affected. The American Red Cross has set up shelters for displaced residents, and local churches have organized food and clothing drives.
The city of Rome is slowly beginning to recover from the devastating tornado. Businesses are reopening, and repairs are being made to damaged buildings. The community is resilient and determined to rebuild stronger than before.
