Tornado Kills Three People in Upstate New York, including 6-year-old twin sisters
Three people were killed early Sunday morning and early Sunday morning when a tornado landed, according to the Binghamton National Weather Service.
The Weather Bureau confirmed that an EF-1 tornado landed at Clark Mills at 3:58 a.m. Sunday and traveled 2.43 miles on Southwest Airlines.
According to the weather service, the cyclone's peak wind is estimated to reach 105 mph and has a maximum width of 300 yards. The whirlwind was on the ground for about five minutes.
A deadly pre-dawn tornado uprooted many trees and snatched many branches from other branches. When the trees landed on their respective houses, all three killed – including two children – were bombed and the tornado was severely damaged.
Clark Mills is a small village of about 1,600 people located in the town of Kirkland, Oneida County.
According to the Meteorological Bureau, Twister also destroyed the historic mill in Oriskany Creek.
Twin sisters in the New York Tornado
Two people killed were reportedly 6-year-old twins – sisters Emily and Kenni Bisson – a tree fell on the Clark Mills house, which caused the roof to collapse. Both girls are students of Clinton Elementary School in Clinton Central School District. District officials confirmed the girl's death.
“Our hearts are with all families and loved ones affected by this tragedy,” Christopher Clancy, dean of Clinton School, said in a message to district families and employees.
Twin sisters Emily and 6-year-old Kenni Bisson were killed in an EF-1 tornado on June 22, 2025.
He said Monday’s courses were cancelled, but there will be grieving counselors when classes resume Tuesday.
A relative launched an online fundraising campaign to support Kayleigh Bisson, a mother of women. A single mother, Bisson, survived but lost her daughter, family and property due to damage caused by the reverser. More than $170,000 was donated in less than 24 hours.
“These girls are well known throughout the town,” Gofundme read. “They are part of softball, soccer, dance, gymnastics, etc. They always keep everyone smiling and make people remember everything about life. They walk through life, dancing and laughing with their belly for a few days.”
According to Syracuse.com, a 50-year-old Shelley Johnson died in a separate house in Clark Mills when a tree crashed from the roof of the house. Her house is not far from where the Bisson family lives.
Images from a New York tornado
This article originally appeared in the Rochester Democrats and Chronicles: Tornado Killed Three in Upstate New York, including the Gemini Sisters
