Tornado Warnings Issued Across Massachusetts as Storms Sweep State

Tornado warnings were issued Saturday afternoon for portions of Middlesex, Worcester and Hampden counties, with a confirmed tornado over Holden as severe thunderstorms raced through eastern Massachusetts.

The warnings highlight the threat of tornadic activity amid an unseasonably strong line of storms, underscoring risks to residents and infrastructure across the region.

Tornado Warnings and Affected Areas

• Tornado warnings in effect until 4:45 p.m. for Middlesex and Worcester counties, including Marlborough, Shrewsbury, Hudson, Westborough, Holden, Northborough, Clinton, Lancaster and Sterling.
• A separate warning covered Hampden County through the same time.
• A confirmed tornado was spotted over Holden by National Weather Service radar just before 4 p.m.

Severe Thunderstorm Watches

A severe thunderstorm watch remained active until 8 p.m. for Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk and Worcester counties. Gusts up to 60 mph and hail accompanied the storms, with frequent lightning posing additional hazards.

Meteorologist Warning

Boston 25 News Meteorologist Tucker Antico cautioned that the peak of severe weather would occur between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., emphasizing the importance of seeking shelter in interior rooms away from windows during warnings.

Impact and Preparedness

Residents reported downed trees and power lines as the line of storms advanced. Authorities urged anyone within warning areas to move to basements or interior closets and to stay tuned to local broadcasts for updates. Emergency services stood by for damage assessments and response throughout the afternoon.

Outlook

The storm system is expected to weaken after evening, but isolated thunderstorms may persist. The Storm Prediction Center maintained a 5 percent risk of additional tornadoes across central and eastern Massachusetts through the evening hours.