Tornado to blame for death of 3 people in upstate NY, including 6-year-old twins: NWS

CLARK MILLS, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — A storm survey conducted by the National Weather Service confirms winds from an EF-1 tornado are what brought down the trees into houses that resulted in the deaths of three people in Oneida County.

Estimates project the tornado produced wind speeds up to 105 mph in the hamlet of Clark Mills within the Town of Kirkland.

Six-year-old twin girls, Emily and Kenni Bisson, were killed when a tree fell on their home, the Oneida County Sheriff confirmed to NewsChannel 9.

The superintendent for the Clinton Central School District issued a statement Sunday saying two of his elementary school students are the victims. The district will close Monday because of the storm damage and offer counseling for students when school reopens on Tuesday.

Their mom was also home at the time and survived.

In a separate incident, 50-year-old Shelly Johnson was killed when a tree fell on her mobile home on Millstream Court. Her fiancé survived.

Sheriff Rob Maciol said the incidents happened around 4am on Sunday.

The Binghamton office of the National Weather Service is scheduled to conduct a storm survey Sunday afternoon to determine whether it was a tornado that brought down the trees.

Statement from Clinton Central Schools Superintendent

Dear CCS Community,

With deep sorrow, I am writing to share heartbreaking news. Earlier today, a severe weather emergency in our community resulted in the tragic loss of life, including two of our elementary students. Our hearts are with all of the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy. 

We are working closely with emergency personnel and will continue to follow all appropriate protocols. Out of respect for the family involved and to protect their privacy, we will not be releasing any names at this time.

We recognize that this news will affect students and families in many different ways. Beginning Tuesday, trained counselors and support staff will be available at school to meet with students who may need assistance. These services will remain available as long as they are needed. If your child is in need of additional support at home, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our counseling team or use the community resources listed on our website. In addition, you can refer to this resource to help parents support their children at home: Talking to Your Child About Death.

Due to the impact of this weekend’s weather on our community, school will be closed on Monday. In order to meet the required hours of instruction for the school year, we will be adjusting our dismissal times for the remainder of the week:
School closed Monday, 6/23 
If you need assistance for counseling services prior to Tuesday, please call the school office at 
Elementary:315-557-2256 
MS:315-557-2260 
HS: 315-557-2235
Updated half days dismissal times Tuesday - Friday, 6/24-6/27
Middle School dismissal will be at 11:05 a.m.
Elementary School dismissal will be at 11:50 a.m.
Additionally:
Ninth grade English exams that were scheduled for Monday have been canceled and will not be rescheduled.
World Language Checkpoint B exams will be rescheduled to Wednesday afternoon, 6/25, from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m
We will continue to share updates as we are able. In the meantime, please know how deeply we appreciate your compassion, strength, and care for one another. Together, we will support our students, staff, and families through the days ahead and hold close the memory of those we have lost.
Sincerely,
Christopher M. Clancy
Superintendent of Schools
Clinton Central School District