Patrick said he is asking that schools close in affected areas after a spate of tornadoes that killed at least one.
Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick has declared a state of emergency after several tornadoes touched down in Western Massachusetts, including at least one that tore through downtown Springfield at about 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday.
In a press conference Wednesday, Patrick said he had been informed of a second tornado touching down in Springfield.
"They're following a similar path, east to west, mostly following along the Pike," Patrick told reporters.
Patrick said he is asking school superintendents to cancel school in affected areas for safety reasons.
Asked by reporters if recent, more devastating tornadoes in the Midwest would affect federal relief for Massachusetts, Patrick said it would not be an issue.
"FEMA is already on the ground in Springfield," Patrick said.
In terms of the damage in Western Mass., Patrick said he had been informed via media reports that there was one death in West Springfield.
West Springfield Police Captain Daniel M. O'Brien reportedly told 22News that a man was killed in West Springfield when a tree fell on top of his car during one of the storms.
"I've heard various reports about houses, schools — I think in Monson the roof was taken off of a school building, a church was destroyed," Patrick said.
Patrick warned, however, that "it's all anecdotal at this point. I don't have much information."
He urged residents to stay in their homes while the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and other local, state and federal agencies respond to the disaster.
"It's very that motorists and pedestrians stay off the roads and give us an opportunity to do the clearing necessary to make sur everyone is safe," Patrick said.