Severe storms that swept through Massachusetts on Friday afternoon have left their mark, with reports of property damage, fires, and power outages across the state. According to WHDH, the storms prompted severe thunderstorm warnings, with the National Weather Service issuing alerts for areas stretching from Gloucester to Milford. As the storms progressed, damage included downed powerlines in Arlington, and a large tree impacting a home in Somerville.

In Stoneham, a lightning strike is to blame for a blaze that erupted behind a residence on Fellsview Road, as reported by Boston 25 News. Fortunately, the fire did not reach the house, though heavy flames were visible at the property's rear. Exhibiting great intuition, a neighbor managed to use a garden hose in an attempt to control the flames before the fire department arrived, keeping the fire from getting closer to the home.

Damaged by the severe weather, Boston witnessed toppled signage and construction debris around the Government Center Garage. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency reported widespread outages, with hundreds of customers affected in surrounding communities like Arlington, Malden, and Saugus. Another severe thunderstorm warning was issued in western Massachusetts as more storms threatened the area into the evening.

Local residents were quick to share their experiences. "All the sudden I hear this boom, huge loud thunder. And I saw the bolt of lightning right behind our fence in the backyard and then all the sudden, I see flames," Gail Kelley told WHDH. Describing the aftermath, another neighbor Jor Molchan said, "It was the thickest, blackest smoke that I’ve ever been that close to in person. It was amazing. I could not believe how much wood kinding and stuff turned into a massive fire." Molchan's actions, grabbing a nearby hose to spray the flames, likely helped prevent the fire from getting closer to nearby houses.