Little Falls mayor describes 'tornado-like' storm damage, praises emergency response

Mayor James Belfford Damiano told the council June 8 that Little Falls experienced a major wind event the prior weekend with 'tornado-like' winds and a clear path of destruction affecting homes, vehicles and roadways. He said officials do not yet have formal confirmation of an EF-scale tornado, but described extensive damage and debris.

'We had tornado-like winds and a tornado-like storm,' the mayor said, adding that PSEG and town departments were quick to respond. He commended the police, fire, EMS and the Department of Public Works, saying their response 'was absolutely incredible' and helped get the town 'back up and running' rapidly.

The mayor also told the council that a classmate of a Little Falls school student lost a home in a recent fire and the community rallied to support the affected family. He thanked residents and department staff for mutual aid during the 72-hour response period.

The mayor’s remarks were an update to residents and the council; he urged continued caution around downed infrastructure and thanked PSEG for prioritizing safety by taking power down where necessary before restoration. The mayor’s account did not assert an official tornado finding; it recorded observed wind damage, the municipal response and ongoing recovery.

The council did not take immediate policy action during the update; follow-up steps (damage assessment, any FEMA/state notifications, or formal storm classification) were not described on the record at the meeting and would be handled by emergency management and relevant departments.