Western Mass. Storm Produces Microburst
EASTHAMPTON (CBS/AP) -- The National Weather Service says a severe storm that flattened hundreds of trees, brought down power lines and even injured some residents of Easthampton was a microburst.
The NWS sent a team to evaluate the damage and says a thunderstorm dropped a strong microbust in Easthampton near the Holyoke line. The microburst began at about 4:53 a.m. on the west side of Mount Tom.
Trees and wires were down on Mountain Road and Hendrick Street in Easthampton.
"What they look for a lot of times is what direction the trees are facing," WBZ-TV meteorologist Danielle Niles said earlier Wednesday. "I wouldn't be surprised if this comes back as a strong microburst."
The NWS estimated the maximum wind speed at 100 mph.
Several homes lost power and were damaged. Fire Chief David Mottor said several residents were injured, but did not require hospitalization.
"It's amazing that these people are not hurt," Easthampton Mayor Karen Cadieux told WBZ NewsRadio 1030.
Viewer photos sent to WBZ-TV on Wednesday showed several trees uprooted or damaged by the weather.
Niles said that skies should be clearing after the morning storms, with high temperatures in the low 70s.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reports:
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