Tornado in upstate New York claims three lives, including twin six-year-old girls.

A devastating tornado struck Clark Mills, a small town in upstate New York, early Sunday morning, resulting in the deaths of three individuals, including twin sisters aged six. According to the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, Emily and Kenni Bisson lost their lives when a large tree fell on their house, while Shelly Johnson, 50, was also killed in a nearby residence when a tree crashed through it.

The National Weather Service reported that an EF1 tornado, boasting maximum wind speeds of 105 miles per hour, touched down just before 4 a.m. on June 22. The tornado, which remained on the ground for approximately five minutes, caused significant damage within the 2,000-resident town, located about 40 miles east of Syracuse. Preliminary assessments indicated a concentrated area of tornado damage, with additional scattered tree damage observed due to winds reaching up to 70 miles per hour from the same line of severe storms.

Witnesses described the destruction as thorough and catastrophic. A 3-foot-wide maple tree uprooted by the tornado struck the Bisson family’s home on Hoyland Avenue, where the sisters were reportedly with their mother, who survived the incident. The nearby community, already mourning the loss of the two young girls, will now grapple with the broader impact of this tragic event.

In the aftermath of this tragedy, Clinton Elementary School, where the victims were enrolled, announced its closure on Monday, with plans to resume normal operations the following day. District Superintendent Christopher Clancy vowed to support the affected community, emphasizing the importance of collective healing in the wake of such a significant loss.

Local emergency management officials continue to assess the damage and provide assistance to affected families, while community members come together to mourn and support one another. The tornado’s path of destruction serves as a sobering reminder of the power of nature and the vulnerability of communities facing severe weather events.

As residents reflect on the recent tragedy, the emphasis will remain on recovery and tribute to the lives lost. The significance of community resilience in the face of adversity has never been clearer as Clark Mills begins to navigate this painful chapter in its history.