South end residents impacted by the Springfield tornado are taking shelter in a church

The tornado took the roof off a building on Central Street.

SPRINGFIELD - At South Congregational Church on 45 Maple St., a few dozen people took shelter in the basement.

Harry Lofland, 55, of 323 Central St., Springfield: “It took the roof right off of my building. I live on the fourth floor. Now I’ve got nothing.”

Lofland’s girlfriend, Yvette Whiting, said she was at home with her grandson when Lofland called to tell her the tornado was coming her way. “As soon as I hung up, I saw two boys running outside and then I laid down on the floor on top of my grandson to protect him. He’s six. The wind was just blowing away the roof. The roof wasn’t there any more.”

Asaivion Whiting pointed to his heel, where there was a bandage, to show where he got a bruise. “I was scared.”

The Baystate Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice at 50 Maple St.: The parking lot at 50 Maple St. was teeming with activity. Springfield and state police officers as well as other law enforcement authorities were coming and going and talking on two-way radios. The streets are completely filled with Springfield police cruisers, state police cars, fire vehicles, at least a dozen ambulances, all with their lights flashing.