The National Weather Service confirmed that three tornadoes struck Western Mass. last Wednesday: one EF3 and two EF1s.
The American Red Cross is still hard at work helping Western Mass. residents affected by last Wednesday's tornado rebuild.
Two shelters for those affected remain open at the Coburn School at 115 Southworth St. in West Springfield, and at the MassMutual Center at 1277 Main St. in Springfield.
As of 11 a.m., Red Cross mobile trucks are in these three areas: the neighborhood around the Coburn school in West Springfield, the Island Pond Road neighborhood in Springfield, and the neighborhood near the First Church in Monson. These areas are being used as bulk distribution sites and have clean-up kits, which include gloves, rakes, and tarps.
To date, 199 Red Cross workers have served more than 8,000 meals to the 1,286 tornado victims that have stayed overnight in their shelters.
The Salvation Army is working with the Mayor's office in Springfield to provide breakfast and dinner services in the most damaged areas, and is working for elderly citizens who are not able to clean up their yards.
To donate to the Western Mass. tornado recovery effort, send contributions to Pioneer Valley Chapter: 506 Cottage St., Springfield, MA 01104. Donations can also be made via their website For more information, contact them at (413) 737-4306.
The National Weather Service confirmed that three tornadoes struck Western Mass. last Wednesday: one EF3 and two EF1s. It is estimated that the EF3, which caused damage to Springfield, touched down in Westfield around 4:17 p.m. in the city's Munger Hill section. After crossing 39 miles through West Springfield, Springfield, Wilbraham, Monson, and Brimfield, it lifted off the ground in Southbridge around 5:27 p.m. after reaching its maximum width of one-half mile.
The EF3 tornado was on the ground for an estimated time of one hour and ten minutes, with wind speeds reaching approximately 160 miles per hour.
Houses were left in ruins after Wednesday's tornadoes wreaked havoc from Westfield to Brimfield. Several neighborhoods in Springfield -- the region's largest city -- were heavily damaged by the twisters.A second tornado, an EF1, touched down in the northwestern part of Wilbraham around 6:32 p.m. The tornado was on the ground for about eight minutes, covered 3.6 miles and reached an estimated maximum wind speed of 90 mph. It was the second tornado to hit Wilbraham.
The third tornado hit Brimfield around 6:54 p.m. and was on the ground for only three minutes. It crossed Route 19 and lifted off the ground near Tower Hill Road. Wind speeds also reached 90 mph and it was also the second tornado to touch down in Brimfield.