Flash storms roll through Mass.
Microburst downs several trees in Hudson
After several days of flash summer storms, Massachusetts was hit again with heavy thunderstorms last evening.
A storm system moved from the southwest to the northeast, drenching Western and Central Massachusetts and causing a microburst in Hudson.
About 5:30 p.m. yesterday, the National Weather Service in Taunton reported strong winds in the Hudson area. The winds took down trees in one area of town about 30 miles west of Boston, said Lieutenant Stephen Cariveau of the Hudson Fire Department.
The microburst - a blast of strong winds that can do significant damage - hit a "small, localized area through older neighborhoods in Hudson. It ran from Central Street to Manning Street," Cariveau said.
Jennifer Kirkpatrick, 38, of Hudson, was home when the storm struck. Afterward, she went outside to take pictures of a rainbow and the storm damage.
"It was just really amazing. It was so specific," said Hudson. "It looked as if a small tornado had gone through here; there were trees down."
William Babcock, meteorologist at the National Weather Service, said microbursts can produce damaging winds of up to 60 to 80 miles per hour. "They can be very potent," he said.
About the same time as Hudson sustained wind damage, wind toppled wire and trees in Lowell, Babcock said. "The whole stretch from Worcester to Lowell got their share of wind damage," Babcock said.
Less rain and more sun is expected later this week. Today, there is a chance of showers and thunderstorms, but tomorrow looks to be dry, said Babcock. The middle of the week is expected to be sunny and in the 80s, he said.
"It just has to get past Monday and Monday night, and things will get to improve after that," said Babcock.
Milder weather will be welcome by beachgoers. Storms late last week and into the weekend led the Department of Conservation and Recreation to close at least 10 beaches and states parks.
