A severe thunderstorm ripped through Central New York on Tuesday night, causing a trail of destruction and leaving thousands in the dark. More than 7,000 customers remained in the dark in several counties as of Wednesday morning, April 30, 2025.
Oneida County Hit the Hardest
Of all the affected counties, Oneida County bore the worst of the storm. Almost 5,000 people there were still without power as of 7 a.m., said the National Grid outage map.
Other affected counties were:
- Herkimer County: 1,631 outages
- Madison County: 381 outages
- Oswego County: 249 outages
- Onondaga County: 123 outages
- Cayuga County: Only 1 reported outage
Restoration efforts were being initiated, but utility companies cautioned that it may take time because there was extensive damage.
Storm Shows Up With Little Notice
The National Weather Service sent out a severe thunderstorm warning at approximately 6 p.m. Tuesday. A few minutes earlier, Syracuse Airport had reached wind gusts of up to 60 mph at 5:22 p.m. The winds at Griffiss International Airport are still waving at the rate of 77 mph.
Residents were warned to remain indoors and lock away outdoor furniture, but the storm was brief, catching some off guard before preparing.
Winds Ravage Neighborhoods
Winds within the storm resulted in widespread physical destruction. Trees were knocked over through neighborhoods. In Manlius, trees fell into two houses, causing roof damage and initiating a gas leak. Emergency responders quickly handled the threat.
Elsewhere within the area, fallen power cables presented hazards serious enough to lead to road closings and impede clean-up efforts.
Utility Workers Race Against Time
Work crews launched late-night efforts overnight to restore power lines, remove debris, and restore electricity. The storm’s intensity has exacerbated their task, with much terrain still confronting impassable roads and unstable structures.
Officials are asking for patience and caution as crews continue working. “We’re prioritizing safety and doing everything possible to get power back on,” a National Grid spokesperson said.
A Record-Tying Day for Heat
Interestingly, Tuesday’s storm hit on the same day that Syracuse tied a heat record. The odd mix of high heat and sudden thunderstorms caught many off guard. Some residents spent the day basking in the heat before the weather quickly became hazardous.
More Storms Possible
Meteorologists are tracking the situation closely, cautioning that additional storms may develop later in the week. Unstable air masses and wet conditions have the potential to create additional thunderstorms, though none as strong as Tuesday’s are anticipated.
Citizens should remain informed regarding weather warnings and prepared for potential emergencies.
Community in Recovery Mode
As the sun rises in Central New York, towns are waking up to snapped limbs, dark houses, and rescue trucks. But also present is a sense of relief, no fatalities or major injuries have been reported, at least so far.
The storm left its mark, but New Yorkers know that they’re no strangers to bad weather. Now it’s time to recover and be ready for whatever may follow.
