Maybe the editors of this page should follow along with what the official name is. Massachusetts hasn't experienced a tornado since 2008, according to the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Okla. He said that looting tapered off as heavy rains set in. At least one person was killed, many injured and Massachusetts Gov. Jola Wnuk said she almost didn't come because of the weather. A report from his office said claims that are still open appear related to paperwork delays and lingering disputes between insurance companies and policyholders about claim values. The path length was just shy of 38 miles and the width grew to a half mile. The State Police is securing the area. June 2, 2011— -- Multiple tornadoes slammed western and central Massachusetts Wednesday, leaving a path of destruction that destroyed buildings, flipped vehicles and left at least four people dead and an unknown number injured. The state has opened shelters for those whose homes were damaged or who need a place to stay. A 40-foot maple had crashed into their 1940s-era Cape-style home as a twister with a 160 mph wind speed touched down in Springfield's East Forest Park neighborhood. "The next thing you know the TV says a tornado hit the railroad bridge in West Springfield," said Pashko, 50. PHOTO: Stan Forman / WCVB In Springfield approximately 500 buildings were destroyed, and countless others damaged. An up-close and personal look at the historic devastation and restoration in the wake of the tornado. Nearly a year later, Massachusetts officials gathered in the family's Gillette Avenue yard to announce that the June tornadoes caused about $200 million in damage to insured personal and commercial property in the state. Suhoski said some people suffered "cuts, scrapes, bruises," though no serious injuries were immediately reported. Administration officials also said individuals, homeowners and businesses have gotten about $26.7 million in federal assistance to cover uninsured losses. "It was a pretty heavy assault from the storm system and we're trying to dig out and assess it right now," Suhoski said. Upstairs at the Mass Mutual Center in downtown Springfield high school seniors graduating Minnechaug Regional High School in Wilbraham this Friday were arriving for their prom. No looting arrests were reported. A tractor-trailer overturned during the storm on the Memorial Bridge leading to West Springfield. To be submitted to The Electronic Journal of Severe Storms Meteorology The Massachusetts Tornado Outbreak of June 1, 2011 WBUR's Jesse Costa and Robin Lubbock traveled through the tornado-ravaged communities of Monson, Brimfield and Springfield. State police said there was heavy damage in spots and troopers were prepared to do house-to-house searches if needed. This was filmed just past the X into East Longmeadow; The twister slipped right on by; hope everyone is safe. This book documents the horrific storm that hit Massachusetts on June 1, 2011 and the inspiring rebuilding effort that followed. The state police Special Emergency Response Team was activated and its members were searching some damaged structures to make sure there are no people trapped inside. He said there were a number of live wires down. Per the NWS survey, the estimated max wind speed was 160 mph. Margaret Alexander, 40, of Springfield, said she found sanctuary in a closet in her apartment during the tornado. How Winter Fashion Has Changed in 100 Years (PHOTOS), Eerie Vintage Photos of People Battling the Flu, Democratic Republic of the Congo | Français, State of Vatican City (Holy See) | Italiano. The storm hit Springfield after a tornado watch was issued for much of the East Coast, including Philadelphia, New York and Boston. The Rev. The first option will be automatically selected. "Be a smart consumer.". Sign up for membership to become a founding member and help shape HuffPost's next chapter. "Our immediate priority is the safety of families in every area affected or still threatened by this horrific disaster," said Kerry in a statement. A worker carries a sheet of plywood to a damaged house on Central St. June 2, 2011 in Springfield, Massachusetts. People photograph and look at storm damage a day after a tornado in Springfield, Mass., Thursday, June 2, 2011. Tornado Information for Massachusetts. When you think of natural disasters in Massachusetts, you probably imagine fierce hurricanes or extreme blizzards. "I'm just happy to be with my family and that everyone is safe," Alexander said. Use up and down arrows to change selection. MONSON, Mass. Take control of your data. Photographers setting up tables at the Mass Mutual Center said they had a frightening view of the tornado just outside the center's ceiling-to-floor windows. Police closed some highway ramps leading into Springfield. "We're worried about our friends and neighbors, our fellow citizens in western Massachusetts who have been affected by this terrible tragedy.". The tornado hit downtown Springfield on June 1, 2011, before moving east. Devastating Tornadoes hit Massachusetts. We recognize our responsibility to use data and technology for good. Missing Cat Found 3 Years After Deadly California Mudslide, Emotional Pet Owner Reunited With Pooch Missing in the Elements for Two Months, Cold or Flu? The Devastating Story Behind The Tornado That Ravaged Massachusetts. They make 2011 the deadliest year for US tornadoes since 1950. Bob Marrone of The First Church of Monson said the storm cleared a view he's never seen across the valley where the town sits. A rare tornado outbreak (for the region) began late that afternoon with several tornadoes confirmed in Maine and Massachusetts. Murray is the former mayor of Worcester and Patrick owns a home in western Massachusetts. "She said it's once in a lifetime," Wnuk said. The storm pulverized or sheared off the tops of roofs on Main Street in Springfield, a city of more than 150,000 about 90 miles west of Boston. The EF-3 tornado was on the ground for about 1:10 on June 1, 2011. After the storm passed she went outside and headed to the Mass Mutual Center on the advice of neighbors. "These are my neighbors and my friends, too; the lieutenant governor's as well," Patrick said. These damage totals don't include losses of uninsured property or damage to public infrastructure. Around 55,000 customers National Grid, Western Mass. Type at least three characters to start auto complete. It shows a scar left by a tornado that hit Springfield, Massachusetts, the summer of 2011. With repairs to the house nearly finished, Kim Winslow said she believed the rebuilding went well in part because her family took an active role in sussing out damage by having independent experts examine the home. Deval Patrick declared a state of emergency and called up 1,000 National Guardsmen after the storms, which brought scenes of devastation recently wreaked in the South and Midwest to a part of the country where such violent weather isn't a way of life. Electric and Unitil were reportedly without power. Featured are many photos from the volunteers and rescue workers to aerial photos of the land. Though not as tornado-prone as much of the Midwest or the South, Massachusetts has averaged two to three twisters per year since 1950, according to … — Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.177.88.10 02:19, 25 June 2012 (UTC) I believe this page is the one you are referring to. Recently searched locations will be displayed if there is no search query. Three people were killed by the storm in the town of Great Barrington, Mass., along the New York state border. SPRINGFIELD, Mass. Thomas Walsh, a spokesman for Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, told The Associated Press he was looking out his City Hall window around 4:30 p.m. when he saw the funnel. State Housing Secretary Greg Bialecki said Tuesday that progress has been made toward rebuilding properties since last year, and that state officials worked to intervene when consumers needed help to make the insurance system work. Sarno said more than 40 people have been admitted to hospitals in Springfield. — One of the deadliest, costliest tornadoes in the history of Massachusetts struck on the afternoon of June 1, 2011. The storm hit as workers were beginning to leave for the evening commute home. Several tornadoes touched down in Massachusetts Wednesday afternoon, killing at least four people and damaging property across more than a dozen communities. State officials said Tuesday that they based their overall insurance claim findings on data from the state's 25 biggest insurers. Menu. The National Weather Service issues tornado warnings for cities and towns southwest of Boston. Patrick said the damage has hit home for him and Lt. Gov. Patrick repeated his call for superintendents in the 19 affected communities to cancel school Thursday. "Storm Stories: Path of Fury" is a multimedia exhibition at the Museum of Springfield History that looks back at the June 1, 2011 tornado. Massachusetts hasn't experienced a tornado since 2008, according to the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Okla. Which City Is the Worst for Fall Allergies This Year? Associated Press writers Russell Contreras, Bob Salsberg, Jay Lindsay, Sylvia Wingfield, Rodrique Ngowi and Steve LeBlanc in Boston, and Kristi Eaton in Oklahoma City contributed to this report. June 2, 2011 -- Multiple tornadoes slammed western and central Massachusetts Wednesday, destroying buildings, flipping vehicles and leaving … Their photos tell devastating stories. A very strong, long-track tornado made it ways through parts of Hampden and Worcester Counties, Massachusetts on June 1, 2011. Deval Patrick's administration said insurance companies have paid out claim money in 98 percent of those 11,500 tornado-related claims. State Insurance Commissioner Joe Murphy said homeowners who still are having problems settling insurance claims can call the state's consumer hotline for help at 877-563-4467. 22 News WWLP says the tornado formed at about 4:20 this afternoon. SPRINGFIELD, Mass. "For those policy holders whose claims remain open, frustration and disappointment are understandable," the report read in part. This … "It's the baddest I've seen.". On June 9, 1953, the deadliest recorded tornado in Massachusetts history cut a swath of destruction through the central part of the state, including the city of Worcester, killing 94 people and injuring hundreds. 9 Ways to Tell the Difference. Gov. © Copyright TWC Product and Technology LLC 2014, 2021. A tornado touched down in Springfield, Massachusetts late this afternoon, CNN reports. "I could see this massive cloud of debris floating around in a circular, cylindrical fashion," he said. The last deadly tornado in the state occurred on May 29, 1995, when three people were killed, NOAA said. "I can see the plywood of roofs, and see houses where most of the house is gone," said Marrone, whose church's steeple was knocked down. She and 15 family members - a sister, daughter, two grand-daughters and the family dog Sasha in a crate -- were at the cavernous makeshift emergency shelter. All rights reserved. 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