Elmira, N.Y. - Buildings are damaged and hospitals are on disaster status Friday, after a possible tornado hit the city of Elmira, according to northern New York Emergency Management Director Michael Smith.
Smith says the storm that hit Chemung County Thursday afternoon brought down trees and power lines, tore roofs off buildings and caused motor vehicle accidents.
A city of Elmira is under a state of emergency as crews continue to assess repair power lines and remove downed trees while assessing damages, according to the wetmtv.com Website.
Thousands are still without power and the 911 Communications Center is overwhelmed with calls.
Even cell phone service is spotty within Chemung County.
The Red Cross has set up a shelter at Elmira Free Academy for people without homes, or people still without power.
