Sudden thunderstorms "came out of nowhere," tore down massive trees in northern Massachusetts
Severe thunderstorms tore through northern Massachusetts early Friday morning and left a trail of scattered damage.
Ayer, which is about an hour northwest of Boston, appeared to be hit the hardest.
Several massive trees came down, some on homes, others knocking out power lines and blocking roads. Many streets were shut down because there was so much debris. People living in the area said they were caught completely off-guard.
"Just came out of nowhere"
"It was crazy, it just came out of nowhere," said Ayer resident Debi Rich.
"I didn't even know we were getting rain today and I was just getting ready for work and it was just like this thundering noise. So I looked out the window and the hail was bouncing all over the place. Then I saw all the trees down and the rain was just coming in like sheets and it got very dark, it was very loud. It was definitely something."
There were no reports of any injuries.
"Never seen a storm like this here"
"I looked out and I was like, holy moly!" Ayer resident Amy Fairweather said as she gestured to a large tree dangling over the road across from her home. "People were driving underneath that. It was so dangerous. I've never seen a storm like this here in my life."
"The winds were unbelievable, I'm surprised there wasn't more damage with smaller trees but these bigger ones came right down. And the hail, it was just quick and boom!" Fairweather said.
Utility companies spent the day cleaning up, assessing the damage and making repairs. Some residents were told the power outages could linger into Saturday.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Flash flood warning issued for Middlesex County until early Saturday evening caused by thunderstorms
On Saturday at 2:41 p.m. a flash flood warning was released by the National Weather Service in effect until 5:45 p.m. for Middlesex County. 'At 2:41 p.m., Doppler radar and spotter reports indicate thunderstorms producing heavy rain and street flooding across the warned area. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain have fallen. The expected rainfall rate is 1 to 2 inches in 1 hour. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly,' states the weather service. 'Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.' Locations impacted by the warning include Boston, Cambridge, Newton, Somerville, Waltham, Malden, Brookline, Medford, Arlington, Billerica, Woburn, Watertown, Lexington, Tewksbury, Needham, Wellesley, Melrose, Saugus, Wakefield and Reading. The weather service comments, 'Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.' Flash flood warning: Take action! A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is either imminent or already occurring. In flood-prone areas, it's crucial to move immediately to higher ground. A flash flood is a sudden and violent inundation that can develop within minutes to hours, and it can even happen in areas not currently experiencing rainfall. Flood warning: Take action! A flood warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring. Flood advisory: Be aware: A flood advisory is released when flooding is not expected to reach a severity level necessitating a warning. Nonetheless, it can still cause considerable inconvenience and, without exercising caution, potentially lead to situations that threaten life and/or property. Flood watch: Be prepared: A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It doesn't guarantee that flooding will occur, but it signifies that the possibility exists. In flood-prone regions or while camping in low-lying areas, understanding and following the weather service flood safety guidelines can be a lifesaver: Move to higher ground: If you reside in a flood-prone region or are camping in low-lying terrain, the first step to safety is relocating to higher ground. Adhere to evacuation orders: When local authorities issue an evacuation order, promptly comply. Before leaving, secure your home by locking it. Disconnect utilities and appliances: If time permits, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This precaution minimizes electrical hazards during flooding. Steer clear of flooded basements and submerged areas: Steer clear of basements or rooms where water has submerged electrical outlets or cords. This helps prevent electrical accidents. Swift evacuation for your safety: If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping sounds, evacuate without delay. Do not enter water that may carry an electrical charge. Stay away from floodwaters: Never attempt to walk through floodwaters, even if they appear shallow. Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can forcefully sweep you off your feet. Seek higher ground when trapped: Should you become trapped by moving water, reach the highest point possible and dial 911 to contact emergency services. During periods of heavy rainfall, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas, the risk of flooding escalates. Remember this crucial advice: never attempt to drive through water on the road, even if it appears shallow. According to the weather service, as little as 12 inches of rapidly flowing water can carry away most vehicles. Stay safe by being prepared and informed. When heavy rain strikes, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the weather service to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards: Beware of rapid water flow: In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger. Maintain safe driving distances: Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain. Slow down and stay cautious: On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding. Choose your lane wisely: Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes. Visibility matters: Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them. Watch out for slippery roads: The first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period. Keep a safe distance from large vehicles: Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely. Mind your windshield wipers: Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely limits your sight, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or protected spots. When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position. By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound. Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service. Flash flood warning: Take action! A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is either imminent or already occurring. In flood-prone areas, it's crucial to move immediately to higher ground. A flash flood is a sudden and violent inundation that can develop within minutes to hours, and it can even happen in areas not currently experiencing rainfall. Flood warning: Take action! A flood warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring. Flood advisory: Be aware: A flood advisory is released when flooding is not expected to reach a severity level necessitating a warning. Nonetheless, it can still cause considerable inconvenience and, without exercising caution, potentially lead to situations that threaten life and/or property. Flood watch: Be prepared: A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It doesn't guarantee that flooding will occur, but it signifies that the possibility exists. In flood-prone regions or while camping in low-lying areas, understanding and following the weather service flood safety guidelines can be a lifesaver: Move to higher ground: If you reside in a flood-prone region or are camping in low-lying terrain, the first step to safety is relocating to higher ground. Adhere to evacuation orders: When local authorities issue an evacuation order, promptly comply. Before leaving, secure your home by locking it. Disconnect utilities and appliances: If time permits, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This precaution minimizes electrical hazards during flooding. Steer clear of flooded basements and submerged areas: Steer clear of basements or rooms where water has submerged electrical outlets or cords. This helps prevent electrical accidents. Swift evacuation for your safety: If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping sounds, evacuate without delay. Do not enter water that may carry an electrical charge. Stay away from floodwaters: Never attempt to walk through floodwaters, even if they appear shallow. Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can forcefully sweep you off your feet. Seek higher ground when trapped: Should you become trapped by moving water, reach the highest point possible and dial 911 to contact emergency services. During periods of heavy rainfall, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas, the risk of flooding escalates. Remember this crucial advice: never attempt to drive through water on the road, even if it appears shallow. According to the weather service, as little as 12 inches of rapidly flowing water can carry away most vehicles. Stay safe by being prepared and informed. When heavy rain strikes, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the weather service to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards: Beware of rapid water flow: In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger. Maintain safe driving distances: Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain. Slow down and stay cautious: On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding. Choose your lane wisely: Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes. Visibility matters: Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them. Watch out for slippery roads: The first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period. Keep a safe distance from large vehicles: Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely. Mind your windshield wipers: Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely limits your sight, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or protected spots. When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position. By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound. Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service. Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Flash flood warning issued for parts of Massachusetts
We're on a SEVERE WEATHER ALERT from the Boston 25 Weather Team due to a flash flood warning in our area. This alert is in effect for parts of Middlesex County until 5:45 PM. Locations that may be impacted include: Boston, Cambridge, Newton, Somerville, Waltham, Malden, Brookline, Medford, Arlington, Billerica, Woburn, Watertown, Lexington, Tewksbury, Needham, Wellesley, Melrose, Saugus, Wakefield, and Reading. In a statement issued by the National Weather Service, 'Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets, and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.' WATCH THE FORECAST | INTERACTIVE RADAR | DOWNLOAD THE APPS Follow our Boston 25 Meteorologists on Twitter for updates: Kevin Lemanowicz | Shiri Spear | Tucker Antico | Vicki Graf Stay Informed: Utilize MEMA's real-time power outage viewer to stay informed about current power outages in your community and region, and across the state, including information from utility companies about restoration times. Utilize MEMA's live weather radar and forecasting tools. MassDOT | MBTA | Logan Airport | Amtrak Online Resources: Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency - on Facebook and Twitter Mass211 Federal Emergency Management Agency National Weather Service/Boston National Weather Service/Albany, NY
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Family of sandhill cranes spotted in Plainfield
PLAINFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A family of sandhill cranes was caught on camera in Plainfield, a species of bird in Massachusetts that is of high conservation need. Ticks becoming more active as weather heats up 22News received this photo of a group of sandhill cranes, including two chicks, from viewer Michael Carenzo of Easthampton. The birds were seen walking together in Plainfield on Friday. The sandhill crane is a large wading bird known for its loud, rattling calls and elaborate courtship dances. Males and females both stand at approximately 3.3 feet tall, with a wingspan of approximately 6.5 feet. These birds mate for life and are found in New England, the upper Midwest, Canada, Alaska, and isolated populations in the western United States. According to the Massachusetts Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, the sandhill crane population saw a severe decrease in the early 20th century due to unregulated hunting and loss and degradation of their wetland habitats. The cranes had a significant resurgence as wetland protection legislation was filed and the North American Breeding Bird Atlas was established in 1966. They are considered a Species of Greatest Conservation Need. These cranes spend the winter in the southern U.S. or northern Mexico, with many returning to breeding areas in Massachusetts in late March or early April. Sandhill crane chicks remain with their family through late fall migration, and typically become independent after their first spring migration. Threats to the species include human disturbance around nest sites, loss and degradation of nesting habitat, and collisions with artificial structures. They are also vulnerable to diseases including the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu. MassWildlife states that it is important not to disturb nesting sites and habitats to continue seeing the increase in population of sandhill cranes, with the hope that protecting these grounds can support the full annual cycle conservation of the species. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
