Severe storms swept through parts of Massachusetts on Friday afternoon, causing damage and prompting severe thunderstorm warnings. The National Weather Service’s Boston office issued the first warning around 1:30 p.m. The warning covered a wide area, including Gloucester to the north, Scituate to the south, and Milford to the west, and remained in effect until 2:15 p.m. Reports started coming in at 2 p.m. of downed powerlines and trees in various communities such as Arlington, Medford, Revere, and Cambridge.
In Revere, a photo shared by a local resident showed a snapped tree lying across power lines near Marble Street and Washington Avenue. Emergency crews were on the scene after a utility pole snapped in half in the same area. Arlington officials reported multiple road closures due to downed trees and powerlines. They assured residents that crews would be working to clear the debris into the evening and continue their efforts on Saturday if necessary.
The storms also caused damage within Boston, including toppled signage and construction fencing near the Government Center Garage. In some communities, such as Somerville and Melrose, pea-sized hail was reported. In Somerville, strong winds brought down a massive tree onto a home, with large limbs snapping from the trunk.
One particularly dramatic incident occurred in Stoneham when a lightning strike sparked a fire in the backyard of a home on Fellsview Road. Fortunately, the Stoneham Fire Department quickly responded and managed to keep the fire from spreading to the house. Nearby residents described hearing a loud thunderous boom and seeing flames behind their fence. Thick black smoke billowed from the fire, which amazed onlookers. A neighbor, Jor Molchan, took action and used the homeowners’ garden hose to try to control the fire until firefighters arrived.
Despite the intensity of the fire, no nearby homes were affected. Cell phone footage captured firefighters working to extinguish the blaze before it could spread further. Gail Kelley, a resident in the area, expressed gratitude that the fire was contained and praised the firefighters for their swift response. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency reported scattered power outages in the Boston area, with Arlington, Malden, and Saugus being the most affected.
By 2:30 p.m., the storms had moved offshore, but meteorologists warned that another round of storms could be expected over the next few hours, particularly in communities south of I-90. The National Weather Service issued a new severe thunderstorm warning for parts of western Massachusetts shortly before 4 p.m., cautioning about potential 60 mile-per-hour winds and penny-sized hail. As of 4:15 p.m., the storm was moving north and east toward Worcester County. The severe thunderstorm warning was set to remain in effect until 5 p.m.
It’s important to stay updated on weather conditions during severe storms like these. It’s also crucial to exercise caution and follow any instructions or warnings issued by local authorities. By staying informed and prepared, we can better protect ourselves and our communities during severe weather events.
