Another Threat for Severe Storms Possible Today

Thunderstorms will likely develop between 2-9 p.m. across the region.

  While central and western Massachusetts are currently in a severe thunderstorm watch, severe weather is again a possibility eastern parts of state. The National Weather Service says severe weather is a possibility this afternoon and evening as warm and humid air returns to area. Severe storms are likely north and west of I-95. Most areas can expect these storms to develop between 2-9 p.m., although some may last late into the night. Minor flooding is also possible with these storms. "Downpours, lightning, small hail are the greatest concerns but because a warm front will be near these thunderstorms, some of the storms may try to rotate," WHDH meteorologist Jeremy Reiner says on his blog.

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Winter Weather Update

9 Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe in the Winter

These common sense rules can help avoid tragedy.

The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) offers these tips to make sure your pets are kept safe during extreme winter conditions. Keep your pets warm and indoors. As always cats should stay inside. Since cats left outdoors may stay warm in car wheel wells or under hoods, you should awake any sleeping animals by wrapping on your car hood before starting the engine. Trips outside should remain short during the winter months. While dogs need outdoor exercise, lengthy walks can prove harmful especially when wind chill is a factor. Dogs should remain leashed and supervised when outdoors throughout the year. However in the winter do not bring them near bodies of water even if they appear frozen. Shorthaired dogs…

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Severe Storms With Strong Wind and Heavy Rain Possible Saturday Afternoon

There's a possibility of severe thunderstorms in Tewksbury Saturday afternoon.

Severe weather, including the slight possibility of a tornado, is expected on Saturday afternoon. The National Weather Service on Saturday morning said thunderstorms would develop around 4 p.m. then become more numerous during the late afternoon and evening hours. The storms are expected to include strong and damaging winds plus torrential downpours. The storms could also include frequent, vivid lightening. Those downpours may cause flooding in small streams and poor drainage areas. The possibility for the severe weather extends across most of southern and central New England, including Tewksbury. The weather service also said there is a low chance of tornadoes “but it is a chance worth mentioning.” By midday on Saturday, a tornado watch …

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Tewksbury State Hospital Building Damaged By Fire

Chief says fire may have been smoldering for days.

An historic building on the grounds of Tewksbury State Hospital was was damaged Tuesday by a two-alarm fire that officials believe might be the result of a lightning strike. Firefighters responded to reports of heavy smoke at the Anne G. McDonald Building at 365 East St. the 19th century brick structure is part of the original Tewksbury Hospital complex but has been completely vacant for more than 20 years. Arriving on scene, firefighters were able to see flames on the second floor of the building. According to Fire Chief Mike Hazel, the fire was contained to one room on the first floor and one on the second, although thick smoke filled the entire structure. Hazel said the fire was knocked down fairly quickly and crews left the scene just …

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National Weather Service Issues Heat Alert

Temperatures in Tewksbury and the Merrimack Valley could reach 100 degrees Thursday and Friday.

An excessive heat alert has been issued by the National Weather Service for Tewksbury and the Merrimack Valley, with the alert officially taking effect tomorrow afternoon and lasting until Friday afternoon. The alert extends from northern Connecticut and Rhode Island to southern New Hampshire and includes all of Massachusetts except for parts of the Berkshires, Cape Cod and the Islands. Temperatures are expected to reach between 95 and 100 degrees during the alert, with the heat index making it feel as though the temperature is actually 105 degrees, with temperatures will be particularly intense from noon to 8 p.m. The National Weather Service is advising that the heat can cause illness if not taken into account, and that children, sick …

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UPDATED: Thunderstorms Roll Through Tewksbury, Lightning Strikes Tree

Severe Thunderstorm Watch in effect until 10 p.m.

UPDATED: 5:50 p.m. The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Tewksbury through 6p.m. A storm rolled through Tewksbury around 5:20 p.m. with a lightning strike destroying a tree on Shawsheen Street. The NWS had identified a line of thunderstorms capable of producing quarter-seized, similar to the type that pelted the region on June 1. In addition, there have been unconfirmed funnel cloud sightings just north of Amherst in the town of Leaverett. It is a fast-moving front, heading east at 50 mph. The NWS is reporting high winds in excess of 60 MPH with this band of thunderstorms and power outages are a possibility. While the warning expires at 6 p.m., a Severe Thunderstorm Watch will remain in effect through 10…

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UPDATED: New Tornado Warning Issued for Tewksbury; Second Wave of Storms Coming

Twisters spotted across Massachusetts; heavy damage, injuries reported in Springfield.

UPDATED 7:30 p.m. The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for Tewksbury and the Merrimac Valley until 8 p.m. It is the second tornado warning issued by the NWS for Tewksbury today. Tewksbury and the Merrimack Valley appeared to have missed the violent storms almost completely. However, as of 6:45 p.m., another band of heavy thunderstorms was tracking across Northfield, Athol and southern New Hampshire. The NWS says that band of storms is capable of creating tornadoes. Two tornadoes have been reported this afternoon in Westfield. Multiple media reports have indicated Springfield was hit hard by a twister, destroying homes, doing damage to office buildings downtown and causing multiple injuries. Tornados have also been …

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Severe Weather Alert Issued for Tewksbury

Winds between 40 and 60 MPH, heavy rains expected.

UPDATED 11 A.M. The National Weather Service has declared a "High Wind Warning" for Tewksbury  for between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. today. In addition, the forecast calls for heavy rains with upwards of three inches of rain possible. A flood watch in effect until 8 p.m. According to the NWS warning, south winds will gust at times between 50 and 60 miles per hour across Eastern Mass. The winds are expected to be at their worst between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. By definition, a high wind warning is issued when sustained winds of 40 miler per hour or greater are expected to last at least an hour, with gusts of 58 miles an hour or greater. According to the NWS, in these situations, downed trees and power lines and power outages are likely. They advise that …

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