The small community of Clark Mills, Upstate New York, shattered by a tragic storm, witnessed the heartbreaking loss of six-year-old twins, Emily and Kenni Bisson.
See the video below!
As a severe storm uprooted an ancient maple tree, it crushed the Bisson home, leaving a wake of devastation and grief.
The force and damage caused by the EF-1 tornado, which tore through the area, serve as a glaring reminder of nature’s unchecked power.
The storm, hitting at around 4 a.m., brought with it winds up to 95 mph, causing extensive damage throughout Clark Mills.
A massive maple tree with twin trunks was ripped from the earth and hurled onto the Bisson home, resulting in the tragic fatalities.
In their short lives, Emily and Kenni were known as active first graders at Clinton Elementary School, loved by all who knew them.
In a touching yet chilling moment, mother Kayleigh Bisson, faced with unimaginable horror, made a desperate call to 911 as the roof collapsed.
Overwhelmed by fear and unable to locate her daughters, her cries for help pierced through the chaos.
Neighbors and emergency responders rushed to the scene, but despite their efforts, the girls were pronounced dead at the scene.
“She was yelling, ‘Get my kids out!’ But there was no noise. It felt very eerie and bad,” said Jared Bowman, a neighbor who tried to assist in the rescue.
During the storm’s aftermath, another life was lost. Shelly Johnson, a nearby resident, was also killed by another falling tree as winds and rain maintained their relentless assault on the community.
Extensive damage across the area left roads blocked, utility poles snapped, and nearly 3 inches of rain in just a few short hours, The New York Post reports.
The destructive force raised many questions about the infrastructure safeguarding homes and communities in dangerous weather.
Emily and Kenni’s potential impacted everyone who knew them, and their loss weighs heavily on community members.
Christopher Clancy, the superintendent, confirmed the girls’ deaths. He closed schools and ensured counseling services would be available, recognizing the profound impact this tragedy has on students and staff.
Governor Kathy Hochul, acknowledging the widespread damage, declared a state of emergency in 32 counties.
This decision highlighted the catastrophic nature of the storm’s impact, emphasizing the challenges faced by communities grappling with extreme weather.
A GoFundMe page is helping Kayleigh Bisson manage her recovery and funeral expenses.
As the National Weather Service inspects the storm damage, residents grapple with heartache and questions about future safety measures.
In Vienna, Oneida County, the storm’s fury further injured two people when a fallen tree crushed a camper.
These incidents have generated concern over preparedness and highlighted an urgent need for infrastructural reinforcement.
