Massachusetts, September 7, 2025
News Summary
A wave of severe storms, including a confirmed tornado, wreaked havoc across Massachusetts, causing extensive damage with downed trees, power lines, and flooded areas. Safety warnings were issued for residents, emphasizing the importance of finding shelter as wind speeds reached 60 mph and hail threatened golfers and outdoor enthusiasts. Cleanup efforts are underway as communities assess the aftermath of the storms.
Boston — Storms Slam Massachusetts: Tornado Touches Down, Trees and Power Lines Down, Golf Courses Left Soggy
A line of severe storms tore across Massachusetts Saturday, turning a typical summer afternoon into a wild scene of wind, rain and damage. The system began with a tornado warning in New York early in the day and slowly pushed eastward across the state, finally producing a confirmed tornado in Central Massachusetts at 4:07 p.m. that touched down in Holden and raced east at about 40 mph.
Storm power and scope
The National Weather Service warned of damaging winds up to 60 mph and the likelihood of golf ball-sized hail. Thunderstorms were strong enough to prompt warnings for Boston until about 6:15 p.m., and a broader severe weather watch covered large parts of New England through the evening. The storm system had earlier affected western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut, moving north from areas south of Great Barrington toward Sheffield and into Hampshire and Franklin counties.
What happened on the ground
The impacts were plain to see: blown-over trees, snapped branches, downed power lines and scattered debris in neighborhoods. Holden saw significant debris littering streets after the tornado passed. Numerous residents reported power outages and property damage, including lost lawn furniture and smashed garden fixtures. Cleanup crews were quickly dispatched to clear fallen trees from roadways, while neighbors and family members pitched in to help with recovery.
Safety first: what was advised
Officials urged people to take shelter in interior rooms on the lowest floors of buildings—simple, practical steps when winds and hail become dangerous. Warnings also highlighted the risk of heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding, with strong advice not to drive through flooded roadways. Lightning remained a major concern throughout the storm period; it’s a leading storm-related killer and a reminder to stay out of exposed areas and off open greens, driving ranges and clubhouses during an outbreak.
Golf courses and fans: a writer’s view from the fairway
As someone who watches every nuance of the turf and tee times, this event felt like watching a perfectly struck shot get swallowed by a sudden wind gust. Parks and municipal courses reported soaked fairways, blocked cart paths from fallen limbs, and clubhouses that ended up as staging areas for shelter and cleanup. For weekend golfers, rounds were interrupted or canceled, and practice facilities were closed until crews could ensure safety.
For tournament directors and casual players alike, winds of this strength can rip down temporary tents, flatten umbrellas and toss loose gear like a shanked approach shot into the rough. The reminder for golfers is clear: when severe weather warnings are issued, pack it up early and head to a sturdy shelter — a golf bag is no protection from lightning or falling limbs.
Where and when it hit
- Early tornado warning started around 1:30 p.m. in New York and moved east across the state.
- Confirmed tornado touchdown in Holden at 4:07 p.m., moving east at ~40 mph.
- Severe storms predicted to move through from roughly 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., with developing cells especially in western Massachusetts in the afternoon.
- Severe weather watch in effect through the evening into about 8 p.m. for many parts of New England.
Communities in the warning path
The tornado and severe storm warnings covered many towns and communities across central and eastern Massachusetts — including Worcester, Marlborough, Shrewsbury, Hudson and others. Earlier warnings included western parts of the state and northern Connecticut, and another storm cell was reported approaching Springfield during the day.
Aftermath and what to expect
Into Sunday the forecast called for lingering rain and clouds with the chance of additional storms, and there was even concern that the wet, windy conditions could affect the big football game in Foxborough later that weekend. Fortunately, the models suggested a return to warm and sunny weather early next week, giving course superintendents a chance to assess turf damage and get salt and sand crews ready if needed.
Practical takeaways for golfers and residents
Treat severe weather like a broken tee—don’t try to play through it. Seek interior shelter on the lowest floor, avoid flood-prone roadways, unplug electrical equipment if power is out and stay away from standing water on greens and fairways until it drains. If you’re near a course, expect closures, tree cleanup operations and temporary restrictions on cart use even after the rain stops.
FAQ — Quick Answers for Storm Safety and Golfers
Q: When and where did the tornado touch down?
A: A tornado was confirmed in Holden at 4:07 p.m., moving east at about 40 mph. The storm system affected much of central and eastern Massachusetts during the afternoon and evening.
Q: How strong were the winds and hail?
A: Forecasts warned of winds up to 60 mph and the possibility of golf ball-sized hail in some cells.
Q: What should golfers do if a storm approaches during a round?
A: Immediately stop play and head to sturdy shelter on the lowest floor. Stay out of open areas, avoid metal fixtures, and do not stay in a sheltered but exposed spot like a dugout or an equipment shed.
Q: Are roads safe after heavy rain and flooding?
A: Do not drive through flooded roadways. Water depth can be deceptive and moving water can sweep vehicles away. Wait for roads to be cleared and for authorities to confirm safety.
Q: When will conditions return to normal?
A: Rain and clouds were expected to linger into Sunday with possible additional storms, followed by a return to warm, sunny weather early next week.
Quick Reference Table — What Golfers and Residents Need Now
| Topic | Quick Tip | When/Where |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado Touchdown | Seek interior shelter on the lowest floor immediately. | Holden, 4:07 p.m.; moved east at ~40 mph. |
| High Winds & Hail | Secure loose items; avoid open fairways and clubhouses. | Winds up to 60 mph; golf ball-sized hail possible. |
| Flash Flooding | Do not drive through flooded roads; avoid low-lying fairways. | Heavy rainfall during afternoon/evening; watch local advisories. |
| Power Outages | Unplug sensitive electronics; use phone sparingly; report outages to local emergency services. | Scattered outages across central and eastern Massachusetts. |
| Course Reopenings | Wait for superintendents to inspect greens and clear hazards. | Assessments likely through Sunday; repairs early next week. |
Stay alert, keep safety first, and expect slow, methodical cleanup on the fairways and city streets alike. The next few days will be about recovery—and getting back to better weather for golf and outdoor plans.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- MassLive: Photos of Severe Storms and Tornado in Massachusetts
- NBC Boston: First Alert – Strong Storms Moving into New England
- Boston 25 News: Tornado and Severe Weather in Massachusetts
- CBS News: Tornado Risk and Wind Damage in Massachusetts
- Hindustan Times: Massachusetts Tornado Warning and Severe Thunderstorms
- Wikipedia: Tornado
- Google Search: Massachusetts Weather and Severe Storms
- Google Scholar: Severe Weather Impact in Massachusetts
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Storm Damage
- Google News: Massachusetts Tornado September 2025
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
