Tornado Threat in Boston, Weather Extreme as Twister Strikes Springfield

A number of Massachusetts counties are under a Tornado watch, with reports of a tornado having already touched down in the western part of the state, and warnings of thunderstorms, large hail and damaging winds.

There is a confirmed touchdown by the National Weather Service in the western city of Westfield and just west in Springfield.

Concerns remain in Suffolk County, especially in the heavily populated city of Boston. A tornado watch is in effect until 8 p.m. EDT for seven other counties including Worcester, Middlesex, Norfolk, Essex, Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire.

Boston police are trying to keep people out of open spaces, a police spokesperson told the West Roxbury Patch.

Showers and thunderstorms are likely, mainly before 9 p.m. Some could be severe, with large hail and damaging winds. The day is expected to clear up by Thursday.

The main threats are strong to damaging winds and large hail, the NWS said. The best chance of strong thunderstorms will be across interior sections.

The twister in the Northeastern state follows extreme weather in various parts of the MidWest in recent weeks, which has killed hundreds of people in one of the deadliest storm seasons.