Deadly tornadoes hit Massachusetts

Violent storms leave at least four dead and extensive damage in Springfield and surrounding area sparking state of emergency Tornadoes have roared through Massachusetts, killing at least four people. The storms caused extensive damage in Springfield, the state’s third-largest city. Authorities said two people died in West Springfield, one in Springfield and another in Brimfield. State police said 33 people were inured in Springfield, five of whom required surgery. The state governor, Deval Patrick, said the path of damage from the first and more powerful of the two tornadoes extended from Westfield, just west of Springfield, to the community of Douglas. He said the second cut a path from West Springfield to Sturbridge in the central part of the state. A state of emergency has been declared. Bob Pashko of West Springfield said he was leaving his doctor’s office when the storm started. “The next thing you know the TV says a tornado hit the railroad bridge in West Springfield,” said Pashko, 50. “It’s the baddest I’ve seen.” The Rev Bob Marrone of the First Church of Monson said the storm cleared a view he had never seen before across the valley where the town sits. “I can see the plywood of roofs, and see houses where most of the house is gone,” he said. “The road that runs up in front of my house … There’s so many trees down, it’s completely impassable.” The storm hit the Springfield area after a tornado watch was issued for much of the east coast, including Philadelphia, New York and Boston. Senator John Kerry said he would join Patrick in a planned tour of tornado damage on Wednesday night. Patrick said there was extensive damage in Hampden county, especially to homes and there were a number of live wires brought down. He said at least 48,000 homes were without electricity. The state has opened emergency shelters. Patrick repeated his call for superintendents in the 19 affected communities to cancel school on Thursday. He said state employees in those areas also are urged to stay home and off the roads to give cleanup crews a chance to work. The governor said he had received preliminary reports of looting in Springfield but that it had tapered off as heavy rains set in. Massachusetts Natural disasters and extreme weather United States guardian.co.uk

Posted by on June 2, 2011. Filed under News, Politics, World News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.