Get Local: Tracking updates on Phelps tornado
Plus we've got the rest of the biggest headlines to start your day on Tuesday, July 8th from around the Finger Lakes!
Video and photos appear to confirm tornado that ripped through Phelps
A violent storm tore through Phelps Monday night, ripping roofs off homes and toppling trees as residents reported terrifying winds and flying debris. The National Weather Service is investigating whether a tornado touched down, with a final determination expected Tuesday. Stunning photos and videos from the scene show just how destructive the storm was.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Less humid, cooler temps.
The Finger Lakes will see mostly cloudy skies today with a slight chance of isolated showers and a high near 79. Patchy fog and mild temperatures are expected overnight, followed by partly sunny conditions on Wednesday with highs in the low 80s. Rain chances increase Thursday and again over the weekend, with scattered thunderstorms possible both days. Temperatures will climb into the upper 80s by Saturday, making for a warm and unsettled stretch.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
A former Walworth town supervisor has admitted to improperly paying herself over $12,000 in taxpayer funds without board approval. Susie Jacobs pleaded guilty in Wayne County Court and was ordered to repay the full amount. The sheriff’s office says the payments were for comptroller duties she was never authorized to perform.
A man was killed in a violent rollover crash Monday evening on Route 90 in Summerhill after his pickup truck veered off the road and flipped. Troopers say he wasn’t wearing a seatbelt and was partially ejected from the vehicle. A female passenger survived and remains in stable condition as police continue investigating the cause.
A vacant lakefront site in Canandaigua could soon become a regional destination for food, drink, and recreation under a new proposal. Plans call for a culinary center, craft beverage programs, and a public park across from Kershaw Park. If approved, the project could break ground by spring 2026, boosting tourism and public access to the lake.
A massive house fire in Cayuga County overnight drew fire crews from across the region in a dramatic “surround and drown” response. The structure was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived, prompting a multi-tanker operation along Ledyard Road. Crews brought the blaze under control within 40 minutes, with no injuries reported.
Watkins Glen’s beloved Sentry Bridge has officially closed for a $7.5 million overhaul after inspectors found unstable rock beneath its base. The century-old structure will be replaced with a modern stainless steel bridge that preserves the historic arch. While construction will last a year, most park attractions will remain open to visitors.
Cayuga County man serves 8.5 years for crash that killed teen
Dain Schneider, who killed 18-year-old Chloe Calhoun in a 2016 DWI crash, has been released from prison after serving 8.5 years of a 7-to-24-year sentence. The crash happened while Schneider was driving nearly 100 mph with a BAC of .23%—his third DWI offense. His release has sparked backlash from prosecutors, though his attorney says it was earned through good conduct and rehabilitation.