Severe Weather Sweeps Across Southern New England, Leaving a Path of Destruction
A powerful tornado with winds reaching up to 100 miles-per-hour tore through Rhode Island and into North Attleboro, Massachusetts on Wednesday night, causing significant damage along its path. The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed the tornado, which originated in Lincoln, Rhode Island, and passed through Cumberland before reaching North Attleboro.
The tornado was part of a line of strong storms that swept across southern New England, bringing heavy rain, lightning, and powerful winds. Residents reported feeling terrified as the tornado approached, likening the sound to that of a freight train. The storms persisted for several hours, affecting a wide area from Pennsylvania to Massachusetts.
In North Attleboro, the aftermath of the tornado was evident with downed trees and fallen branches littering the streets. Some trees showed signs of being struck by lightning, while others were completely uprooted. Residents described witnessing furniture and birdhouses being lifted and carried away by the storm’s force.
While the damage in North Attleboro was significant, it did not span the entire community. According to North Attleboro Fire Chief Chris Coleman, the tornado seemed to skip certain areas before hitting the east side of town. This sporadic pattern of damage is often indicative of a tornado that lifts up and drops back down.
The tornado’s path was later confirmed by the NWS in a report. It touched down at 11:23 p.m. near Breakneck Hill Road in Lincoln and lifted at 11:30 p.m. near Cushman Road in North Attleboro. The tornado was classified as an EF1 tornado, with a width of 100 yards and a path length of 4.3 miles.
The severe weather also impacted other areas in southern New England. Seekonk High School in Seekonk experienced toppling trees, causing a mess in the school’s parking lot. In Malden, a tree crashed onto a home and several vehicles, damaging live power lines. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency reported over 11,000 customers without power statewide, with Halifax being the most affected town, with 79% of its residents experiencing power outages.
The Red Sox’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays was postponed due to torrential rain at Fenway Park, where water poured down stairwells. Gillette Stadium in Foxboro also asked concert attendees to shelter in place for an hour due to severe weather. In Mansfield, a tree falling on West Street caused a neighborhood to lose power.
The recent severe weather comes just days after multiple New England states experienced tornado warnings. On Sunday, a tornado touched down in Dublin, New Hampshire, bringing peak winds of 90 miles-per-hour. The tornado caused damage to trees, a truck, and the shingles of a local home.
After the turbulent weather, residents in New England woke up to clearer skies on Thursday, with humidity expected to decrease throughout the day. However, the threat of severe weather still looms, highlighting the importance of staying informed and prepared for future storms.
In conclusion, the recent tornado and severe weather in southern New England have left a trail of destruction and power outages. The NWS’s confirmation of the tornado provides insight into the intensity and path of the storm. The stories from residents who witnessed the storm firsthand emphasize the fear and awe experienced during such events. As communities work to clean up and restore power, it is crucial to remain vigilant and prepared for future severe weather occurrences.
