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Severe thunderstorms: 1 tornado confirmed in Massachusetts

A volatile line of severe thunderstorms swept across New England on Saturday, leaving a trail of damage and culminating in a confirmed tornado touchdown in Bristol County, Massachusetts. The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed the event after conducting a storm survey, adding a dramatic exclamation point to a day marked by high winds, torrential rain, and widespread power outages. Officials are now assessing the full extent of the damage as communities begin the cleanup process.

This event serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of nature and the importance of heeding weather warnings. We will break down the confirmed tornado, the broader impact of the storm system, and what you need to know to stay safe during future weather events.

Tornado Touches Down in Bristol County

The National Weather Service office in Boston/Norton confirmed that an EF-1 tornado touched down near the town of North Attleborough late Saturday afternoon. The tornado, with estimated peak winds of 100 mph, carved a narrow path of destruction approximately 1.5 miles long. The confirmation came after a survey team investigated reports of a funnel cloud and significant, concentrated damage in the area.

Initial reports from the survey team noted numerous snapped and uprooted hardwood trees, some of which fell onto homes and vehicles. Siding was torn from several houses, and a local business suffered partial roof collapse. Fortunately, local officials have reported no serious injuries at this time, a fact they attribute to the timely issuance of tornado warnings which gave residents crucial minutes to take shelter.

“The warning came across my phone, and it was just chaos for a few minutes,” said one resident. “You could hear the wind roaring like a freight train, just like they say. We ran to the basement and just waited it out. We’re very lucky.”

Emergency crews were on the scene quickly, working to clear debris from roadways and check on residents. The tornado’s short-lived but intense presence underscores the unpredictable nature of these powerful storms.

Widespread Damage from Powerful Severe Thunderstorms

While the tornado was the most significant event, it was part of a much larger system of severe thunderstorms that impacted the entire region. From western Massachusetts to the Cape, the storm line brought damaging straight-line winds, hail the size of quarters, and flash flooding that turned streets into rivers.

Utility companies are reporting that over 80,000 customers across the state were without power at the peak of the storm. Crews are working around the clock to restore service, but they caution that some of the more complex repairs in heavily damaged areas could take several days. The sheer volume of downed trees and power lines has created a hazardous environment for both the public and repair teams.

In addition to wind damage, heavy rainfall led to numerous flash flood warnings. Several major roadways experienced temporary closures due to high water, causing significant travel disruptions. This combination of wind and water created a multifaceted threat that emergency managers had been preparing for based on forecasts from the Storm Prediction Center.

For more details on local road closures and recovery efforts, you can check our continuously updated local news page.

Eyewitnesses Recount the Storm’s Fury

Residents across the storm’s path shared harrowing stories and dramatic videos on social media. Footage showed dark, ominous shelf clouds rolling in, followed by blinding rain and winds that bent large trees nearly to the ground. The rapid intensification of the weather caught many by surprise.

“It went from a normal gray day to something out of a movie in about five minutes,” a Worcester County resident posted online. “The wind was howling, and things were flying all over the yard. It was genuinely frightening.”

First responders have been praised for their swift and professional response. Fire departments, police, and EMS personnel were deluged with calls ranging from downed power lines to basement flooding. Local communities are now coming together, with neighbors helping neighbors clear fallen branches and check on the elderly. This community spirit is a hallmark of resilience in the face of natural disasters.

What Caused This Weather Event?

So, what atmospheric ingredients combined to produce such a volatile day? Meteorologists point to a classic setup for severe weather in New England. A potent cold front advancing from the west slammed into a very warm, humid, and unstable airmass that was in place over the region.

This collision provided the lift needed to force the warm, moist air to rise rapidly, forming powerful thunderstorm updrafts. Strong wind shear—a change in wind speed and direction with height—was also present, which is a critical ingredient for rotating storms (supercells) that can produce tornadoes. The combination of high instability and significant shear created the perfect environment for the day’s severe thunderstorms to flourish and, in one case, spawn a tornado.

Your Guide to Severe Thunderstorm Safety

This event is a crucial reminder that all severe thunderstorms pose a threat. It is essential to have a safety plan in place before a storm strikes. Knowing what to do can save your life.

The experts at the National Weather Service and Ready.gov offer the following advice:

• Have Multiple Ways to Receive Warnings: Do not rely on just one source. Use a NOAA Weather Radio, smartphone apps, and local television or radio broadcasts.
• Know Your Safe Place: Before a storm hits, identify a safe location. The best option is a sturdy building, on the lowest level, away from windows. For a tornado, this means a basement or an interior room with no windows.
• “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!”: This simple slogan is a life-saver. There is no safe place outdoors during a thunderstorm. Postpone outdoor activities if storms are in the forecast.
• Secure Outdoor Objects: Patio furniture, trampolines, and trash cans can become dangerous projectiles in high winds. Secure them or bring them inside before the storm.
• Avoid Water and Electronics: Do not shower, wash dishes, or use corded phones during a thunderstorm. Lightning can travel through plumbing and electrical wiring.

Preparing a basic emergency kit is also a key part of readiness. To learn what to include, check out our comprehensive guide on how to build your family’s emergency kit.

As cleanup from these severe thunderstorms continues, residents are urged to stay cautious of lingering dangers like weakened tree limbs and downed power lines. The confirmation of a tornado in Massachusetts is a rare but potent reminder that severe weather can and does happen here, and preparedness is our best defense.

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