SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The National Weather Service has determined that a macroburst with wind speeds between 60 and 70 mph caused most of the damage reported across parts of western Massachusetts during Saturday evening’s severe thunderstorms.
According to a preliminary damage survey released Sunday, the macroburst began around 5:45 p.m. near Kings Highway and Prince Street in West Springfield and traveled approximately 3.3 miles southeast before weakening near Marble Street in Springfield about 10 minutes later.
Springfield among hardest hit as severe storms sweep western Mass.
The storm damaged numerous trees and power lines along its path and caused minor damage to several buildings. More significant damage occurred near Dwight Street Extension in Springfield, where powerful straight-line winds damaged a roof and led to a partial building collapse. No injuries were reported.
The National Weather Service said a line of severe thunderstorms moved across Berkshire, Hampshire and Hampden counties Saturday afternoon. The first severe thunderstorm warning was issued at 4:41 p.m. for winds up to 60 mph, followed by a second warning at 5:43 p.m. that included the threat of quarter-sized hail…