On Thursday, July 26th, many parts of Chemung County were devastated by severe thunder storms and a tornado that touched down in Big Flats and continued east into the Town and City of Elmira and then across I86 and up Jerusalem Hill.
Hundreds of trees were blown down and homes and structures were damaged. Electricity was out for several hours and days all over the county. Phone lines and cable service was also out of service to thousands of homes and businesses. The 15th legislative district suffered heavy damage in many neighborhoods. Legislator Rodney J. Strange was out surveying the district as soon as the storm stopped. He spent the next five days out in the district making sure residents were receiving the services they needed, the clean up was progressing, and utilities were being restored as quickly as possible.
“I could not believe the devistation I saw following this storm,” Strange said. “The amount of damage that occured was horrendous and our residents needed help. I cannot describe how grateful I am to the amount of help we received from agencies all over this state. The NYS DOT, Chemung County DPW, Towns of Southport and Elmira Highway Departments, NYSEG, Time Warner Cable, Verizon, many tree removal companies, and many DPW and utility companies from outside the area: I CANNOT THANK YOU ENOUGH! You have done an amazing job for my district and all of Chemung County.”
“I would especially like to personally thank:
Andy Avery our Commisioner of Public Works for all he did to coordinate the clean up and the employees of the Chemung County DPW.
Sheriff Moss and the deputies of the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office who did a great job with public safety following the storm.
The Southport, Wellsburg, and East Hill Fire Departments for responding to and assiting our residents in the storms aftermath.
Emergency Management Director Mike Smith and his staff for their tireless efforts before, during, and after the storm to make sure our residents were safe, responded to, and received the sevices they needed as fast and as orderly as possible.”
“We live in a great county. I am so thankful for the people who live here and care for each other when times are tough and people need help. We are lucky to live in such a caring community,” Strange concluded.