MONTGOMERY – Just days before the NY International Air Show is set to take to the skies over Orange County, a powerful storm blew through Montgomery Thursday evening causing widespread damage. Initial reports on Thursday indicate that a tornado may have hit the town.
On Thursday evening, Town Supervisor Brian Maher used social media to issue a statement saying “The Village of Montgomery and parts of the Town were devastated a few hours ago by what we believe to be a tornado. If you are in need of help or would like to report damage please reach out to your local emergency service agencies or call 911.” Maher added “If you are a Town resident, including all three Villages, and are in need of food, water or any other type of assistance you can call the #TOMSTRONG Community Response Team at 845-741-2835. Our volunteers will be ready to help!”
Village of Montgomery Mayor Steve Brescia also used social media Thursday evening to declare a state of emergency for the village that included a “shelter in place” order for residents. “I Steve Brescia have declared a State of Emergency in the Village of Montgomery. All residents are ordered to shelter in place until 6:00 am unless they have an emergency. In that case call or text 911.”
Brescia also warned residents that downed power lines need to be considered energized and should not be approached. The Village of Montgomery DPW was out clearing roadways. According to Brescia, the Weaver and Union Street area was hit especially hard.
Damage in the area included trees that fell onto houses and vehicles and several witnesses reported seeing funnel clouds in the area during the peak of the storm. No serious injuries were reported.
Video of damage and cleanup recorded by Mark Lieb of Rockland Video Productions is below.
