Strong Storms Hit Massachusetts
BOSTON (CBS) - As many as 26,000 people were without power as severe thunderstorms ripped through Massachusetts Wednesday afternoon, bringing strong winds, hail and frequent lightning.
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Some communities reported seeing golf-ball-sized hail stones approximately two inches in diameter.
Torrential rain, meanwhile, pelted the North Shore in particular, flooding out parts of Route 1 and several neighborhoods in that area.
A funnel cloud was spotted in Lynn.
The National Weather Service confirms that a microburst hit Arlington. Trees and limbs toppled onto cars and downed wires made roads impassable for a time. Traffic detours were a nightmare for police.
Residents were in awe of the power. "All of a sudden there was the wind and the house was shaking. My windows were open slightly and I literally had trouble getting them closed," said Susan Brown.
WBZ-TV's Beth Germano reports from Arlington
Residents couldn't believe what they witnessed. "All of a sudden it was like a mini tornado in the driveway," said Michael Pryor.
Like a scene from the Wizard of Oz it took Dick Heavern's garage right off its foundation. His prize Lexus was buried. "I'm very disappointed, it was a beautiful automobile," he says. "But it didn't hit the house and nobody was hurt, thank God."
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At around 2 p.m., a tornado warning was issued for parts of Essex and Suffolk County, but the alert was cancelled 20 minutes later.
Lightning strikes were reported in several communities. In Rockland, lightning struck a home displacing a family of five.
WBZ-TV's Karen Anderson reports
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch was in effect for Massachusetts until 9pm.
WBZ-TV's Beth Germano contributed to this report.
If you spot severe weather in your area, send your photos and videos to weather@cbsboston.com.
