A quick but tense tornado scare rolled through parts of central and eastern Massachusetts Thursday evening as a fast-moving line of strong storms marched toward the coast. The National Weather Service tracked at least one particularly concerning cell near Paxton and issued a localized tornado warning on top of broader tornado watches that covered much of the state. Forecasters warned drivers headed into the late-afternoon and early-evening commute to brace for hail, damaging wind gusts and the potential for a tornado.
Where The Warning Applied
According to Boston 25 News, a tornado watch covered Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex and Worcester counties until 7:00 p.m. The outlet reported that a tornado warning for central Worcester County and south-central Middlesex County was issued around 5:20 p.m. and was canceled shortly before 6:00 p.m.
What The National Weather Service Tracked
According to NWS Boston, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Paxton, roughly nine miles west of Worcester, as radar showed rotation. The agency warned the storm could produce hail up to half an inch in diameter and scattered wind gusts up to 80 mph.
Warnings Into New Hampshire
Boston 25 News also reported that severe thunderstorm warnings were in effect for southeastern Grafton County and parts of Hillsborough, Merrimack and Rockingham counties in New Hampshire until 5:30 p.m. Local forecasters urged people in the warning area to seek shelter immediately while conditions were being assessed.
Safety And Where To Get Updates
Officials urged residents to take any tornado warning seriously, move to an interior room on the lowest floor and stay away from windows. The National Weather Service also recommends monitoring local alerts in case storms intensify or new warnings are issued. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency posts live outage maps and statewide weather resources at MEMA and on the National Weather Service site.
