Rome, N.Y. — The most powerful tornado to hit Oneida County in more than three decades slammed Rome Tuesday afternoon, toppling an iconic brick mural in the heart of the city’s business district, uprooting dozens of the towering oak trees in downtown neighborhoods, and leaving residents in shock at the speed and ferocity of the storm.
The tornado struck about 3:25 p.m. Tuesday, fueled by heat, humidity and a powerful disturbance in the upper atmosphere. The tunnel traveled more than 5 miles and was, at one point, 300 yards wide. Wind speeds reached 135 mph, as fast as those in a Category 4 hurricane. It touched down in the city’s southwest corner and raced to the northeast.