New York State is currently wrestling with the dual threats of devastating storms and a record-breaking heatwave, prompting Governor Kathy Hochul to declare a State of Emergency across 32 counties. This declaration comes in the wake of severe thunderstorms that swept through the region early Sunday morning, June 22, 2025, leaving three people dead, tens of thousands without power, and communities grappling with widespread damage.
The storms hit with alarming intensity, particularly in Central New York, the Southern Tier, the North Country, and the Capital District. Torrential rain poured down at rates reaching two inches per hour, accompanied by damaging winds that felled trees and power lines, crushed homes, and submerged roads. The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado touched down near Clark Mills in Oneida County, with winds estimated at 95 mph, classifying it as an EF-1 on the Fujita Scale.
Tragically, the storms claimed the lives of three individuals in Oneida County. Shelly Johnson, 50, was found dead when a tree fell onto her residence in the Town of Kirkland. Nearby in Clark Mills, twin six-year-old girls Emily and Kenni Bisson lost their lives after a tree crashed into their home. These young first graders attended Clinton Elementary School, which was closed on Monday as the community mourned. Sheriff Rob Maciol and local officials expressed deep sorrow over the loss, underscoring the storm’s devastating impact on families.
As of Monday afternoon, approximately 50,000 customers statewide remained without power, with the majority—around 35,000—located in Oneida County. National Grid reported that nearly 59,000 of more than 94,300 customers affected by the overnight storms had their service restored by Sunday evening. Nevertheless, many residents are still coping with outages and property damage.
Governor Hochul addressed the crisis with a heartfelt statement: “Our hearts break for the tragic loss of life during last night’s storms, and my administration has been in touch with local elected officials offering support. State emergency response personnel are already on the ground providing resources and support as we work to recover from this severe weather and restore power quickly.” She urged all New Yorkers to remain vigilant and take precautions as extreme heat and severe weather continue to impact the state.
The State of Emergency declared by Hochul covers a broad swath of New York, including Albany, Bronx, Broome, Chenango, Clinton, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Dutchess, Essex, Greene, Kings, Madison, Nassau, New York City, Oneida, Onondaga, Orange, Otsego, Putnam, Queens, Rensselaer, Richmond, Rockland, Saratoga, Schenectady, Suffolk, Tioga, Ulster, Warren, Washington, Westchester, and contiguous counties. This sweeping measure allows for the mobilization of additional resources and support to the hardest-hit areas.
In response, the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services activated the State Emergency Operations Center to Enhanced Monitoring Mode. Emergency supplies, including light towers, generators, and water pumps, have been deployed to critical zones such as Oneida County. The Office of Fire Prevention and Control has also activated its Fire Operations Center, with swift water rescue teams and canine units standing by to assist where needed.
Adding to the state’s challenges, an intense heatwave has settled across the region, with “feels-like” temperatures expected to soar above 100 degrees Fahrenheit through Wednesday, June 25. Forecasters warn that New York City alone could see temperatures hit a sweltering 102 degrees on Tuesday, potentially shattering a 125-year-old record of 96 degrees set in Central Park in 1888. Humidity will only amplify the oppressive heat, raising health concerns for vulnerable populations.
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for Onondaga and Tompkins counties until 8 p.m. Monday and a Heat Advisory for the entire region through Wednesday evening. Officials are urging residents to limit outdoor activities, stay hydrated, and check on elderly or at-risk neighbors. The combination of severe weather damage and soaring temperatures poses a complex public safety challenge.
Rainfall is expected to continue, particularly in Central New York, the Southern Tier, and the North Country, where the ground is already saturated from recent storms. Flash flood warnings remain in effect, with the potential for flooding to extend into the Southern Tier and Mid-Hudson regions, especially from Broome to Ulster and Sullivan counties. Authorities are closely monitoring these areas to provide timely warnings and emergency assistance.
Governor Hochul’s administration is coordinating closely with local officials and emergency personnel to manage the unfolding crisis. The deployment of swift water rescue teams and the presence of emergency responders on the ground underscore the state’s commitment to safeguarding residents. New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for weather and emergency alerts by texting their county or borough to 333111 to stay informed during this volatile period.
As New York confronts this rare convergence of deadly storms and record-breaking heat, the resilience of its communities is being tested. The state’s swift response and mobilization of resources aim to mitigate the impact, but the human toll remains profound, especially in areas like Oneida County where families mourn lost loved ones.
In the face of these challenges, Governor Hochul’s message resonates: “I urge all New Yorkers to stay weather aware and take precautions to stay vigilant and safe as extreme heat and severe weather are expected to continue impacting the State over the next couple of days.”
With the storm’s aftermath still unfolding and the heatwave intensifying, New Yorkers are urged to remain cautious and prepared as the state navigates this dangerous and unprecedented weather event.
