Tornado Touches Down in Worcester County, Causes Widespread Tree Damage but No Injuries

A radar-confirmed tornado struck Holden and Paxton in Worcester County, Massachusetts, Saturday afternoon, uprooting trees, downing power lines and inundating streets, though no injuries were reported. Residents and crews began cleanup and power restoration efforts Sunday as the National Weather Service prepared to survey the damage and confirm the tornado’s exact path and intensity.

Tornado’s Path and Impact

The National Weather Service confirmed the twister touched down near Holden at approximately 4:07 p.m., remaining on the ground only briefly before lifting, yet leaving significant tree and structural damage in its wake. In Paxton, several trees split or were uprooted, with one falling onto a home’s roof and another blocking a residential street.

Community Response and Cleanup

Town Manager Peter Lukes reported fire crews conducted wellness checks and worked through the night to clear debris and restore power to affected homes along Bailey Road and Willow Brook Road. “We’re seeing a lot of tree damage-giant trees uprooted right out of the ground and some still resting on people’s homes,” Lukes said.

Local residents described the storm’s sudden ferocity. Phyllis Lorrain of Holden recounted fleeing to her cellar as branches struck her windows. “My phone went off for the alarm, so as I headed from my backroom to go to my cellar, I could see the branches falling right in front of my window,” she explained. Paxton homeowner John P. noted a nearly perfect split in a tree, likely caused by the tornado’s concentrated winds.

First Massachusetts Tornado of 2025

This event marks the first confirmed tornado in New England for 2025, identified through Doppler radar’s velocity and correlation coefficient products to detect debris signatures aloft. Forecast crews plan a formal damage survey pending improved weather conditions.

Aftermath and Outlook

By Sunday afternoon, power crews had restored electricity to most customers, though some roads remained littered with fallen limbs and debris. Cleanup efforts will continue through the week as officials assess repairs and clear remaining hazards. The NWS survey will determine the tornado’s final rating and path length, providing crucial data for future severe-weather preparedness in the region.