Severe storms hit western Massachusetts, Springfield declares state of emergency

Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald on Aug 9, 2026

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Severe storms buffeted western Massachusetts through Saturday, leaving Springfield in a state of emergency, over a thousand without power and dozens of residents displaced after a building collapsed.

“My heart goes out to our neighbors in Western Mass affected by yesterday’s storms, especially the dozens of residents displaced in Springfield,” Gov. Maura Healey said Sunday. “As cities and towns continue their work to recover, we appreciate the collaboration of leaders, first responders, businesses, and community members. They have our full support as we stand ready to assist in any way we can.”

The Springfield mayor declared a state of emergency Saturday night following the storms, noting the south side of the city was hit “very, very hard” and a building collapse at the Dwight Street Extension apartment complex displace about 42 residents during a press conference.

The National Weather Service reported damage across the region and winds up to 60-70 mph during the storm event in Springfield on Saturday, as well as a “macroburst” that spread from Kings Highway near Prince Street in West Springfield east to the city’s Marble Street. A macroburst occurs when a low burst of strong winds spreads over 2.5 miles wide, “sometimes producing damage similar to a tornado,” according to NOAA.

“A line of severe thunderstorms brought areas of tree and power line damage across Berkshire County before moving east through Hampshire and Hampden Counties,” the NWS report stated.

Severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for the region at 4:42 p.m. and 5:43 p.m. Saturday, before the macroburst began at 5:45 p.m., NWS stated.

“More significant damage occurred near Dwight Street Extension in Springfield, MA, at 5:55 p.m. when thunderstorm winds caused roof damage and a partial building collapse,” NWS reported.

NWS did a survey of the area Sunday, concluding that “straight line winds” damage the area rather than a tornado, according to NWS lead meteorologist Andrew Loconto.

The Dwight Street residents were triaged at the South End Community Center, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno said Saturday night. The Red Cross and Salvation Army assisted city officials, and all displaced residents were placed in temporary housing by midnight Sunday, the mayor said Sunday.

No deaths or injuries were reported as off Sunday, Springfield officials said.

Sarno said Sunday the city’s response is “going to go on for days because we were hit heavily, mostly in Forest Park, the South End, and Six Corners neighborhoods.”

“First of all, I hope everyone is ok and I want to reassure everyone that emergency officials are on scene to the impacted areas and are assessing the situation and the damages,” Sarno said Sunday. “Our dedicated city team has been tested and true through numerous natural and manmade disaster and we will continue to make sure everyone is safe.”

Forest Park was close Sunday, Sarno added, as the forestry team works to clear downed trees and debris.

The region was “down to 1,500 without power” as of Saturday night, Sarno said. As of Sunday afternoon, just over 100 electric customers remained without power in Hampden County.

The Springfield city officials encouraged residents to assume any downed wires are live and avoid them.

Residents were encouraged to call 311 to report any downed trees and power lines, and 911 for any emergency situation.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency was also responding in the area as of Saturday, and Sarno noted the governor and lieutenant governor had been in contact regarding the situation.

“We need the city residents to come together at this time as one,” said Springfield Police Superintendent Larry Akers. “I don’t care what part of the city that you’re in. We all need help right now.”

Forecasts show more storms could return to the region Monday.

“That area is going to be under the gun again (Monday),” said Loconto. “Obviously, at this point it’s hard to say there’s going to be strong storms or rising to the level becoming severe, but that area would be a little more prone to seeing those stronger storms (Monday) afternoon. So that is something we’ll have to watch, not just for Springfield but also for those other towns in interior southern New England, basically from Worcester westward to the Berkshires. That’s where the greatest threat for storms still to become strong and capable of downing trees and power lines.”

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