Part of a tree that fell across Route 117 in Stow as a small tornado blew through the town on Monday. Photo: Stow Public Safety
MARLBOROUGH, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Three small tornadoes touched down along 495 on Monday afternoon as the remnants of Tropical Storm Henri swirled farther west. The National Weather Service confirmed the tornadoes did briefly make it to the ground between 11:40 AM and 1:10 PM. All of the tornadoes were very small, EF-0, and no one was injured.
The first and longest-lasting twister, in Marlborough, started at 11:40 AM, and touched down just west of 495 near the Marlborough Water Treatment center, swirling northwest for around three-quarters of a mile before evaporating at Cedar Hill Street. The tornado knocked down a tree that damaged a car. Bolton Police Chief Warren Nelson caught video of the tornado:
The second whirlwind hit Bolton at around 12:30 PM and only held together for about a tenth of a mile, causing light damage between 175 and 198 Main Street, as one tree was knocked down into power lines.
The final tornado touched down in Stow at around 1:10 PM and caused light damage along State Route 117, close to Stow Police Headquarters. It knocked down a large tree and a branch that fell across the road.
WBZ's Karyn Regal spoke to Accuweather Meteorologist Bob Larson, who said we may have not even noticed tornadoes this small a few years ago, but technological advances in Doppler radar have made them easier to spot.
"When it comes to tornadoes, there's often very little warning...and doppler radar can help give us at least some notification in advance of any touchdown," he said.
Even a small tornado can cause serious damage, and it's a good thing to get that notice, Larson said — though the three towns struck today seem to have avoided it.
WBZ's Karyn Regal (@Karynregal) has more with Bob Larson on today's weather:
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Written by Chaiel Schaffel