Monday, September 5, 2011

Tornado Touches Down In Upstate N.Y.



New York police, along with search and rescue personnel, were sent to upstate New York on Sunday night after a tornado touched down in the area.

The tornado crossed the busy New York State Thruway.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said it appeared the tornado touched down near Amsterdam, 20 miles northwest of the state capital Albany.

"At this time, there have been no reports of any serious injuries, but there are reports of damage to numerous structures," Cuomo said.

"I have dispatched the state police as well as state urban search and rescue personnel, who were in the area for Hurricane Irene assignments, to lead the state's response and to assess the damage.

"Power crews are also on the scene to restore electricity to any customers who may have been affected."

The National Weather Service confirmed the tornado in Montgomery County about 5:25 p.m., based on video evidence.

Severe thunderstorms, with winds up to 60mph, were recorded in Albany around 6:00 p.m.

The weather service says it has reports of damaged homes in the Cranesville section of Amsterdam. Trees and power lines were knocked down.

Montgomery County, where Amsterdam is located, is among the counties eligible for federal disaster assistance after Irene.

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