At least 4 people died and 200 injured in Massachusetts after tornadoes ripped through the state on Wednesday, causing widespread damage as the Northeast braced for a barrage of thunderstorms, hail and high winds.

The tornadoes have caused property damages and widespread power outages as United States is experiencing one of the deadliest tornado seasons in decades. The storms wreaked damage in a string of 18 cities and villages across central and western Massachusetts.

There were reports that up to 4 tornadoes hit in and around Springfield, the third-largest city in Massachusetts which hadn't experienced a tornado since 2008.

Two of the dead were from Westfield. One person died in West Springfield and another in Brimfield, said a Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency spokesman.

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick declared a state of emergency and authorized 1,000 National Guard troops to be called up to provide support after at least two tornadoes touched down. Search and rescue efforts continued and thousands in Massachusetts were still without power on Thursday after the tornadoes.

Take a look at the aftermath photos:

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Aftermath Photos of Tornado Havoc in Massachusetts
A man cleans up after a tornado ripped through on Wednesday in Brimfield, Massachusetts June 2, 2011. Reuters
Aftermath Photos of Tornado Havoc in Massachusetts
Firefighters survey the damage after a tornado ripped through on Wednesday in Brimfield, Massachusetts June 2, 2011. Reuters
Aftermath Photos of Tornado Havoc in Massachusetts
A homeowner is comforted by a neighbor in front of his home which was destroyed after a tornado ripped through on Wednesday in Monson, Massachusetts June 2, 2011. Reuters
Aftermath Photos of Tornado Havoc in Massachusetts
U.S. Senator John Kerry (D-Massachusetts) looks at the rubble of The First Church of Monson after its steeple was knocked down during a tornado on Wednesday in Monson, Massachusetts June 2, 2011. Reuters
Aftermath Photos of Tornado Havoc in Massachusetts
U.S. Senator John Kerry (D-Massachusetts) picks through the rubble of The First Church of Monson after its steeple was knocked down during a tornado on Wednesday in Monson, Massachusetts June 2, 2011. Reuters
Aftermath Photos of Tornado Havoc in Massachusetts
Friends of a homeowner whose home was destroyed during Wednesdays tornado react in Monson, Massachusetts June 2, 2011. Reuters
Aftermath Photos of Tornado Havoc in Massachusetts
A view of an area that was hit hard by a tornado on Wednesday is seen in Monson, Massachusetts June 2, 2011. Reuters
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