2011 New England tornado outbreak#Greater Springfield

On May 30, two days before the outbreak, the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) noted the possibility of a severe weather event in the Northeastern United States in their outlook. A storm system was forecast to draw warm, moist air (with dew points over {{convert|60|F|C}}) from the south, ahead of a driving cold front. In light of this, the SPC issued a slight risk for severe thunderstorms across the area.{{cite web|author=Greg L. Dial|work=Storm Prediction Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=May 30, 2011|access-date=June 3, 2011|title=May 30, 2011 0730 UTC Day 3 Severe Thunderstorm Outlook|url=http://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/archive/2011/day3otlk_20110530_0730.html| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110614031808/http://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/archive/2011/day3otlk_20110530_0730.html| archive-date= June 14, 2011 | url-status= live}} As an upper-level trough moved over the Great Lakes, further moisture and warmth increased atmospheric instability in the area, raising the threat of a squall line or supercell thunderstorms.{{cite web|author=Greg L. Dial|work=Storm Prediction Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=May 31, 2011|access-date=June 3, 2011|title=May 31, 2011 0600 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook|url=http://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/archive/2011/day2otlk_20110531_0600.html| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110614031450/http://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/archive/2011/day2otlk_20110531_0600.html| archive-date= June 14, 2011 | url-status= live}} By June 1, the storm system moved over Ontario and Quebec, with a cold front trailing behind it over northern New England. CAPE values exceeded 4,000 J/kg, indicating an extreme amount of instability in the atmosphere, conducive to strong thunderstorms. Additionally, a strong upper-level jet stream brought significant wind shear, which, in combination with the atmospheric instability, indicated a significant severe weather threat, with the main effects expected to result from downburst winds and large hail, but with tornadoes possible.{{cite web|author1=Ryan E. Jewell |author2=Melissa M. Hurlbut|work=Storm Prediction Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=June 1, 2011|access-date=June 3, 2011|title=Jun 1, 2011 0600 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook|url=http://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/archive/2011/day1otlk_20110601_1200.html| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110614032101/http://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/archive/2011/day1otlk_20110601_1200.html| archive-date= June 14, 2011 | url-status= live}} An EML, which emerged over Arizona on May 28, was also present and created abnormally steep lapse rates in the mid-levels of the atmosphere, further increasing instability.{{cite web|title=NOAA a multiscale analysis of the 1 june 2011 northeast us severe weather outbreak |url=http://www.ejssm.org/ojs/index.php/ejssm/article/view/105}}

File:Jun 1, 2011 Massachusetts tornado radar loop.gif

Between 8:18 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. (EDT), severe storms producing {{convert|1|in|cm|abbr=on}} hail developed over portions of New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Maine; however, little if any impact resulted from these storms.{{cite web|work=Storm Prediction Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=June 3, 2011|access-date=June 3, 2011|title=SPC Storm Reports for June 1, 2011|url=http://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/reports/110601_rpts.html| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110614031245/http://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/reports/110601_rpts.html| archive-date= June 14, 2011 | url-status= live}} At 10:05 a.m., the SPC issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the entire state of Vermont, much of northern New York, northeastern Pennsylvania and parts of western Massachusetts and Connecticut.{{cite web|author=John A. Hart|work=Storm Prediction Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=June 1, 2011|access-date=June 3, 2011|title=Severe Thunderstorm Watch 410|url=http://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/watch/ww0410.html| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110614031625/http://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/watch/ww0410.html| archive-date= June 14, 2011 | url-status= live}} By this time, a broken line of severe storms had developed over parts of western New York and northern Pennsylvania.{{cite web|author1=Richard L. Thompson |author2=Johnathan M. Garner|work=Storm Prediction Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=June 1, 2011|access-date=June 3, 2011|title=Jun 1, 2011 1300 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook|url=http://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/archive/2011/day1otlk_20110601_1300.html| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110614031636/http://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/archive/2011/day1otlk_20110601_1300.html| archive-date= June 14, 2011 | url-status= live}} With the storms gradually developing throughout the day and an increasing threat of tornadoes, a tornado watch was issued at 1:00 p.m. for much of New England, southern New York, eastern Pennsylvania and most of New Jersey.{{cite web|author=John A. Hart|work=Storm Prediction Center|publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|date=June 1, 2011|access-date=June 3, 2011|title=Tornado Watch 411|url=http://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/watch/ww0411.html| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110614031947/http://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/watch/ww0411.html| archive-date= June 14, 2011 | url-status= live}} Around 2:00 p.m., severe storms with damaging hail, measured up to {{convert|2.75|in|cm|abbr=on}}, and winds around {{convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} developed in eastern New York. These storms gradually tracked east-southeastward into Vermont and later New Hampshire. One particular supercell produced very large {{convert|3.25|in|cm|adj=on}} diameter hail at Shaftsbury, Vermont after producing a funnel cloud and baseball sized hail across the border in New York State. At 2:43 p.m., the first of several tornado warnings in the area was issued for southern Coos County, New Hampshire.{{cite web|url=http://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/vtec/#2011-O-NEW-KGYX-TO-W-0001|title=Severe Weather Statement: Tornado Warning|date=June 1, 2011|access-date=June 3, 2011|work=National Weather Service Office in Gray, Maine|publisher=Iowa Environmental Mesonet National Weather Service| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110511111432/http://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/vtec/| archive-date= May 11, 2011 | url-status= live}}

Between 3:00 and 3:30 p.m., severe storms developed over western Massachusetts and prompted a tornado warning to be issued at 3:28 p.m. for parts of Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin Counties.{{cite web|url=http://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/vtec/#2011-O-NEW-KBOX-TO-W-0002|title=Severe Weather Statement: Tornado Warning|date=June 1, 2011|access-date=June 3, 2011|work=National Weather Service Office in Boston, Massachusetts|publisher=Iowa Environmental Mesonet National Weather Service| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110511111432/http://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/vtec/| archive-date= May 11, 2011 | url-status= live}} About an hour later, another warning was issued for Springfield, Massachusetts, and surrounding areas. Within minutes, a touchdown was confirmed near Springfield by local law enforcement and amateur radio operators.{{cite web|url=http://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/vtec/#2011-O-NEW-KBOX-TO-W-0004|title=Severe Weather Statement: Tornado Warning|date=June 1, 2011|access-date=June 5, 2011|work=National Weather Service Office in Boston, Massachusetts|publisher=Iowa Environmental Mesonet National Weather Service| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110511111432/http://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/vtec/| archive-date= May 11, 2011 | url-status= live}} This tornado was later rated a strong EF3 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale.{{cite web|author=Field Survey Team |work=National Weather Service Office in Boston, Massachusetts |publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |date=June 3, 2011 |access-date=June 3, 2011 |title=Some Preliminary Tornado Survey Information |url=http://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site%3DNWS%26format%3DCI%26version%3D1%26glossary%3D0%26highlight%3Doff%26issuedby%3DBOX%26product%3DPNS |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607182836/http://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=NWS&format=CI&version=1&glossary=0&highlight=off&issuedby=BOX&product=PNS |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 7, 2011 }} At one point, this supercell displayed radar characteristics similar to historic supercells that produced violent tornadoes over the Southeast and the Great Plains.{{cite web|url=http://www.ejssm.org/ojs/index.php/ejssm/article/view/105|title=A Multiscale Analysis of the 1 June 2011 Northeast U.S. Severe Weather Outbreak and Associated Springfield, Massachusetts Tornado

}} Over the next hour, damage was reported as far east as Charlton from this long-track tornado. Other brief touchdowns were reported across the state afterward as well, which caused minor damage.

In total, 10 towns and cities, Westfield, Agawam, West Springfield, Springfield, Monson, Wilbraham, Brimfield, Sturbridge, Southbridge, and Charlton, Massachusetts, all sustained damage from the long track EF3 tornado. A total of three (downgraded from the originally reported 4) people were killed as a result of the tornado and at least 200 people were injured from severe weather across the state.{{cite news | title=Massachusetts digs out after three tornadoes kill 3, hurt 200 | publisher=Fox 25 News | url=http://www.myfoxboston.com/dpp/weather/tornado-damage-reported-in-springfield-25-apx-20110601 | date=June 3, 2011 | access-date=June 8, 2011 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604052914/http://www.myfoxboston.com/dpp/weather/tornado-damage-reported-in-springfield-25-apx-20110601 | archive-date=June 4, 2011 | df=mdy-all }} The outbreak included the first killer tornado in Massachusetts since the 1995 Great Barrington tornado.{{cite news|url=http://www.wwlp.com/dpp/news/local/hampden/Death-reported-in-tornado |title=Death reported in tornado |date=June 1, 2011 |publisher=WWLP.com |access-date=June 1, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604191343/http://www.wwlp.com/dpp/news/local/hampden/Death-reported-in-tornado |archive-date=June 4, 2011 }}

{{Tornado Chart

|Total = 6

|F0 = 1

|F1 = 4

|F2 = 0

|F3 = 1

|F4 = 0

|F5 = 0

|Enhanced=yes

}}

{{Infobox storm

| name = Greater Springfield

| fujitascale = EF3

| image = Westfield to Charlton tornado path, June 5, 2011.jpg

| caption = A satellite view of the tornado's path, shown as a brown streak across the center of the image; part of the track, including Springfield, is obscured by clouds.

| total fatalities = 3 fatalities, 200 injuries

| damages = $227.6 million (2011 USD)[https://data.dailyrecord.com/tornado-archive/massachusetts/323440/ EF3 tornado on Jun. 01, 2011 15:17 PM EDT], DailyRecord

| enhanced = yes

| highest winds = {{convert|160|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}

}}

A large, long-lived tornado left a swath of major damage through Hampden County into Worcester County, in Western and Central Massachusetts. The tornado proved to be unusually persistent, remaining on the ground for one hour and ten minutes along a path {{convert|37.6|mi|km}} long, the second longest on record in Massachusetts.{{cite web|author1=Robert M. Thompson Jr. |author2=David R. Manning |author3=Joseph Dellicarpini |author4=Alan E. Dunham |author5=Matthew L. Doody |author6=Eleanor Vallier-Talbot |author7=Tracy L. Mccormick |work=National Weather Service office in Boston, Massachusetts |publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |date=June 3, 2011 |access-date=June 5, 2011 |title=Three Tornadoes Confirmed on June 1, 2011 in Massachusetts |url=http://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site%3DNWS%26format%3DCI%26version%3D1%26glossary%3D0%26highlight%3Doff%26issuedby%3DBOX%26product%3DPNS |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607182836/http://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=NWS&format=CI&version=1&glossary=0&highlight=off&issuedby=BOX&product=PNS |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 7, 2011 }} The damage path reached a width of {{convert|0.5|mi|km}} at its greatest point, while it was moving through Brimfield State Forest. The city of Springfield was devastated by the June 1, 2011 tornado, as was the southern portion of the Springfield Metropolitan Area – from Westfield to Charlton. Massachusetts has experienced only eight EF3 or higher tornadoes since 1950, and this was the first in Hampden County.{{cite web|work=National Climatic Data Center|publisher=Tornado History Project|year=2020|access-date=June 12, 2020|title=Massachusetts Tornado History (1950–2017)|url=http://www.tornadohistoryproject.com/tornado/Massachusetts/map|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109015901/http://www.tornadohistoryproject.com/tornado/Massachusetts/map|url-status=usurped|archive-date=November 9, 2012}} The tornado killed three people, injured about 200 others, and left hundreds homeless.{{cite news|author1=David Abel |author2=Brian MacQuarrie|publisher=Th Boston Globe|date=June 2, 2011|access-date=June 26, 2011|title=It looks like a war zone|url=http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2011/06/03/victims_lament_massachusetts_tornadoes_huge_toll/}} In Springfield, approximately 500 buildings were destroyed.{{cite news| url=http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2011/06/22/tornado_that_struck_springfield_neednt_wreck_its_finances_too/ | work=The Boston Globe | title=Tornado that struck Springfield needn't wreck its finances, too}} Hundreds of other homes were destroyed in surrounding towns, including West Springfield (88 structures) and Monson (77 structures), among others.{{cite web|author1=Jessica Fargen |author2=Marie Szaniszlo |publisher=Boston Herald |date=June 5, 2011 |access-date=June 5, 2011 |title=Massive recovery effort in tornado zone |url=http://news.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/2011_0605massive_recovery_effort_in_tornado_zone/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5zDjyHCtJ?url=http://news.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/2011_0605massive_recovery_effort_in_tornado_zone/ |archive-date=June 5, 2011 |df=mdy }}{{cite web|author1=Aaron Nicodemus |author2=John J. Monahan |work=Worcester Telegram & Gazette |date=June 3, 2011 |access-date=June 5, 2011 |title=Damage assessment |url=http://www.telegram.com/article/20110603/NEWS/106039811/-1/NEWS06 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606044753/http://www.telegram.com/article/20110603/NEWS/106039811/-1/NEWS06 |archive-date=June 6, 2011 |df=mdy }} Damage estimates from the storm exceed $140 million, the majority of which was from the destruction of homes and businesses.{{cite news|author=Vivian Yee|work=The Boston Globe|date=June 18, 2011|access-date=June 20, 2011|title=Insurance claims for tornadoes hit $140m|url=http://articles.boston.com/2011-06-18/news/29674671_1_recovery-centers-insurance-claims-fema|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406092705/http://articles.boston.com/2011-06-18/news/29674671_1_recovery-centers-insurance-claims-fema|archive-date=April 6, 2012|df=mdy-all}} Based on a post-storm survey by the National Weather Service, the tornado attained maximum estimated winds of {{convert|160|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} as it moved into Springfield, ranking it as a high-end EF3.

The tornado first touched down at 4:17 p.m. EDT (20:17 UTC) in the Munger Hill section of Westfield, near Birch Bluffs Drive. Within Westfield, a total of 257 homes suffered damage, mostly ranging from broken windows to roof damage. However, 3 homes suffered extensive damage, including a house on Shaker Road which was ultimately condemned due to a tree piercing through the roof. Damage to homes and other structures was reported on Birch Bluffs Drive, Shaker Road, Falley Drive, Steiger Drive, Mallard Lane, Cardinal Lane, Glenwood Drive, Pontoosic Road, and Knollwood Drive.{{cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2014/05/westfield_tries_to_forget_the.html |title=Westfield tries to forget the destruction but remembers lessons learned from 2011 tornado |last=LaBorde |first=Ted |date=May 30, 2014|access-date=November 3, 2024|publisher=MassLive }} The tornado moderately damaged Munger Hill Elementary School, with two classrooms nearly destroyed and debris scattered throughout the school. The tornado removed a 20-foot section of roofing from the school and moved it several hundred feet away, dumping it in a swimming pool at a nearby home on Cardinal Lane. Only a handful of people were inside the school when the tornado struck, as pupils had already been dismissed for the day. Significant damage to trees and power lines occurred throughout Westfield.{{cite web|url=https://www.cityofwestfield.org/313/Emergencies-in-Westfield |title=Emergencies in Westfield - Severe Weather |access-date=November 3, 2024|publisher=City of Westfield }} No fatalities or serious injuries occurred in Westfield as a result of the tornado; initial reports by state officials erroneously stated that two deaths occurred in Westfield.{{cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2011/06/westfield_gets_lucky_after_tor.html |title=Westfield gets 'lucky' after tornado touches down and causes less damage to Whip City than elsewhere in county |last=LaBorde |first=Ted |date=June 10, 2011|access-date=November 3, 2024|publisher=MassLive }}

The tornado briefly passed through the heavily forested northern section of Agawam, moving through Ridgeview Park and Robinson State Park.{{cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/weather/2020/06/9-years-ago-today-a-june-1-tornado-swept-through-western-massachusetts-killing-3-people-and-injuring-hundreds-more.html |title=9 years ago today, a June 1 tornado swept through Western Massachusetts, killing 3 people and injuring hundreds more |last=Cote |first=Jackson |date=June 1, 2020 |access-date=November 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240708220858/https://www.masslive.com/weather/2020/06/9-years-ago-today-a-june-1-tornado-swept-through-western-massachusetts-killing-3-people-and-injuring-hundreds-more.html |archive-date=July 8, 2024 |publisher=MassLive }} There were 25 acres (10 hectares) of damage at Robinson State Park, including damage to trees, roads, trails, day-use areas, and power lines.{{cite web|url=https://www.telegram.com/story/news/local/east-valley/2011/07/26/tornado-damage-cleaned-up-park/49954637007/ |title=Tornado damage cleaned up; park reopens in Agawam |last=Miner |first=Bradford L. |date=July 26, 2011|access-date=November 4, 2024|publisher=Telegram & Gazette }} Multiple homes were damaged in Feeding Hills and North Agawam, although damage was relatively minor and no homes were destroyed.{{cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2011/06/lightening_strike_power_outtag.html |title=Lightning strike, power outage top tornado woes in Agawam |last=Constantine |first=Sandra |date=June 2, 2011|access-date=November 4, 2024|publisher=MassLive }} On River Street in North Agawam, power lines and telephone poles were torn down or twisted by the tornado. There were no tornado-related injuries or fatalities in Agawam, although an 18-year-old high school student was struck by lightning during the storm.

File:West Springfield 2011 tornado damage at MAC 1.jpg

The tornado rapidly intensified as it moved into the City of West Springfield, causing extensive damage to industrial buildings and tearing off roofs and the upper floors of three-story apartment complexes. Additionally, a few homes collapsed due to the severity of structural damage. Throughout West Springfield, 88 buildings were destroyed and two people were killed. One woman, 39-year-old Angelica Guererro, was killed on Union Street when her triple decker home collapsed on top of her. She was protecting her 15-year-old daughter by climbing on top of her and shielding her from debris while they both took cover in a bathtub.{{cite web|author1=Eric Moskowitz |author2=Jenna Russell|work=The Boston Globe|date=June 3, 2011|access-date=June 5, 2011|title=With storm raging, a mother makes the ultimate sacrifice|url=http://www.boston.com/news/weather/articles/2011/06/03/mother_gives_up_life_to_save_her_daughter_during_tornado/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110603111417/http://www.boston.com/news/weather/articles/2011/06/03/mother_gives_up_life_to_save_her_daughter_during_tornado/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 3, 2011 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.boston.com/?post_type=post&p=2305488 |title=Mother killed by tornado hailed as ‘hero’ |last=Andersen |first=Travis |date=June 9, 2011|access-date=November 5, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220819030358/https://www.boston.com/uncategorized/noprimarytagmatch/2011/06/09/mother-killed-by-tornado-hailed-as-hero/ |archive-date=August 19, 2022|publisher=Boston.com }} Her daughter survived with serious injuries, along with her 46-year-old husband, who was critically injured by their home collapsing.{{cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2016/06/sisters_remember_west_springfi.html |title=Daughters remember West Springfield mother who gave her life in 2011 tornado |last=Barry |first=Stephanie |date=June 3, 2016|access-date=November 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502044033/https://www.masslive.com/news/2016/06/sisters_remember_west_springfi.html |archive-date=May 2, 2024|publisher=MassLive }}{{cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2011/07/family_of_angelica_f_guerrero.html |title=Family of West Springfield tornado victim Angelica Guerrero on verge of getting long-term housing |last=Kinney |first=Jim |date=July 22, 2011|access-date=November 5, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523165516/https://www.masslive.com/news/2011/07/family_of_angelica_f_guerrero.html |archive-date=May 23, 2022|publisher=MassLive }} Another fatality took place on Main Street when a 5 foot (1.5 m) wide oak tree fell on a vehicle, killing the driver, 23-year old Sergey Livchin.{{cite web|author=Jessica Heslam |publisher=Boston Herald |date=June 2, 2011 |access-date=June 5, 2011 |title=Brother's tornado death rocks West Springfield family |url=http://news.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/2011_0602brothers_tornado_death_rocks_west_springfield_family/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607021502/http://news.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/2011_0602brothers_tornado_death_rocks_west_springfield_family |archive-date=June 7, 2011 |df=mdy }}{{cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2011/06/west_springfield_tornado_victim_sergey_livchin_was.html |title=West Springfield tornado victim Sergey Livchin was fun-loving young man, sister says |last=Constantine |first=Sandra |date=June 8, 2011|access-date=November 4, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603020824/https://www.masslive.com/news/2011/06/west_springfield_tornado_victim_sergey_livchin_was.html |archive-date=June 3, 2022|publisher=MassLive }} The tornado then moved east, crossing the Connecticut River and entering Springfield.

File:Western Massachusetts tornado damage, June 4, 2011.jpg

Upon entering Springfield, the tornado crossed over the Memorial Bridge, with a significant amount of vehicular traffic on the bridge. The tornado tipped a tractor-trailer onto its side, blocking the two eastbound lanes. There were no injuries or fatalities on the bridge, and none of the other vehicles were overturned.{{cite web|url=https://www.enr.com/blogs/18-crossing-that-bridge-when-we-come-to-it/post/13653-springfield-tornado-crossing-memorial-bridge |title=Springfield Tornado Crossing Memorial Bridge |date=June 3, 2011|access-date=November 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211204113437/https://www.enr.com/blogs/18-crossing-that-bridge-when-we-come-to-it/post/13653-springfield-tornado-crossing-memorial-bridge |archive-date=December 4, 2021|publisher=Engineering News Record }} Video of the tornado crossing the river was broadcast live on multiple news stations, as cameras on top of the nearby Monarch Place skyscraper recorded the tornado as it crossed the river and entered the city from West Springfield.{{cite web|url=https://www.patriotledger.com/story/news/2011/06/02/video-tornado-hits-springfield-4/40286035007/ |title=VIDEO: Tornado hits Springfield; 4 deaths reported |date=June 2, 2011 |access-date=November 5, 2024 |publisher=The Patriot Ledger }} Footage of the tornado crossing the bridge was widely circulated in the days following the storm.{{cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/business-news/2012/02/organizers_of_rebuild_springfield_say_th.html |title=Organizers of Rebuild Springfield say the future is bright for tornado recovery |last=Molnar |first=David |date=February 10, 2012 |access-date=November 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021224203/https://www.masslive.com/business-news/2012/02/organizers_of_rebuild_springfield_say_th.html |archive-date=October 21, 2020|publisher=MassLive }} The tornado caused extensive damage throughout Springfield, destroying over 500 buildings. According to the Springfield Fire Department, several injuries were caused by cars being overturned by the tornado in multiple different occurrences throughout Springfield.{{cite web|url=https://www.minnpost.com/christian-science-monitor/2011/06/tornado-hits-springfield-mass/ |title=Tornado hits Springfield, Mass. |date=June 2, 2011|access-date=November 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522103853/https://www.minnpost.com/christian-science-monitor/2011/06/tornado-hits-springfield-mass/ |archive-date=May 22, 2022 |publisher=MinnPost }}

After crossing the Connecticut River and the Memorial Bridge, the tornado moved into Metro Center, the most urban neighborhood in Springfield. The tornado caused extensive damage to Springfield's Connecticut River Walk Park, destroying much of the park's formerly lush tree canopy and large sections of its wrought-iron fences.{{cite web|url=http://community.railstotrails.org/blogs/trailblog/archive/2011/06/03/tornado-damages-springfield-riverwalk-in-massachusetts.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611080404/http://community.railstotrails.org/blogs/trailblog/archive/2011/06/03/tornado-damages-springfield-riverwalk-in-massachusetts.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 11, 2011 |title=Tornado Damages Connecticut River Walk in Springfield, Mass. – RTC TrailBlog – Rails-to-Trails Conservancy |publisher=Community.railstotrails.org |access-date=March 27, 2012 }} Some 200-year-old Heritage Trees in Court Square were uprooted and scattered throughout the area. Damage to buildings in Metro Center was relatively minor, especially compared to the neighboring South End.{{cite report|title=Rebuild Springfield - District One: Metro Center And South End |url=https://www.springfield-ma.gov/cos/fileadmin/tornado/rebuild_springfield/2_D1_FINAL_-_Reduced.pdf |publisher=City of Springfield |page=7 |access-date=November 7, 2024 |date=February 2012 }} A Hampden County assistant district attorney was seriously injured when she was struck by flying debris while she walked from the Hampden District Attorney office to her car. Multiple people narrowly avoided injury as the tornado sent broken glass flying from windows at the Hampden District Attorney office.{{cite web|url=https://www.telegram.com/story/news/state/2011/06/02/waking-to-destruction/50013199007/ |title=Waking to destruction |date=June 2, 2011|access-date=November 4, 2024 |publisher=Telegram & Gazette }}

Several commercial brick buildings in Springfield's historic South End sustained extensive damage – large portions of their roofs were torn off and numerous, ornate brick facades were completely destroyed.{{cite web|url=http://www.gazettenet.com/2011/06/02/governor-patrick-sen-kerry-survey-destruction-in-western-massachusetts |title=Governor Patrick, Sen. Kerry survey destruction in western Massachusetts |publisher=GazetteNET |access-date=March 27, 2012}} At the intersection of Main Street and Union Street, the mixed use Mills-Hale-Owen blocks were extensively damaged, with the top floor of one of the buildings partially collapsing.{{Cite web|url=http://www.masslive.com/business-news/index.ssf/2012/06/tornado_victims_sue_city_of_springfield.html |last=Barry |first=Stephanie |title = Tornado victims sue city of Springfield for premature demolition |access-date=November 7, 2024 |date = 4 June 2012 |publisher=MassLive }}{{cite web|url=https://www.massbar.org/publications/lawyers-journal/lawyers-journal-article/lawyers-journal-2011-july/picking-up-the-pieces |title=Picking up the pieces |last=Archambeault |first=Bill |date=July 2011 |publisher=Massachusetts Bar Association |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240714012219/https://www.massbar.org/publications/lawyers-journal/lawyers-journal-article/lawyers-journal-2011-july/picking-up-the-pieces |archive-date=July 14, 2024 |access-date=November 7, 2024}} The multistory buildings were demolished one day after the tornado struck.{{cite web|url=https://www.courthousenews.com/tornado-survivors-say-city-sacked-their-home/ |title=Tornado Survivors Say City Sacked Their Home |last=Scott |first=Lucille |date=June 5, 2012 |publisher=Courthouse News Service |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128212434/https://www.courthousenews.com/tornado-survivors-say-city-sacked-their-home/ |archive-date=November 28, 2021 |access-date=November 7, 2024}} A daycare on Main Street was directly in the tornado's path; none of the children were injured but one employee was minorly injured.{{cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2011/06/children_at_square_one_daycare.html |title=Children at Square One daycare center unscathed after tornado hits downtown Springfield |last=Graham |first=George |date=June 7, 2011 |publisher=MassLive |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204195939/https://www.masslive.com/news/2011/06/children_at_square_one_daycare.html |archive-date=December 4, 2023 |access-date=November 7, 2024}} The South End Community Center (located in the Howard Street Armory) sustained extensive damage; a large section of the roof was torn off by the tornado.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/massachusetts-tornado/20/ |title=Massachusetts tornado |date=June 2, 2011 |publisher=CBS News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028165457/https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/massachusetts-tornado/ |archive-date=October 28, 2020 |access-date=November 7, 2024}}{{cite report|title=Rebuild Springfield - District One: Metro Center And South End |url=https://www.springfield-ma.gov/cos/fileadmin/tornado/rebuild_springfield/2_D1_FINAL_-_Reduced.pdf |publisher=City of Springfield |page=7, 58 |access-date=November 7, 2024 |date=February 2012 }} Thirty-five children were taking shelter inside the community center when the tornado struck, although there were no injuries among the children.{{cite web|url=https://www.wwlp.com/news/a-look-back-the-south-end-community-center/ |title=A look back: The South End Community Center |date=October 26, 2017 |publisher=WWLP |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126231855/https://www.wwlp.com/news/a-look-back-the-south-end-community-center/ |archive-date=November 26, 2020 |access-date=November 7, 2024}} Severe structural damage to apartments and townhouses took place near famous Mulberry Street. Union Car Wash on Union Street was directly hit by the tornado; windows were broken and three garage bay doors were removed by the tornado.{{cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2011/06/security_camera_captures_sprin.html |title=Security camera captures Springfield tornado footage; Union Car Wash owner David DelVecchio recounts his storm story |date=June 9, 2011 |last=Deburro |first=Joe |publisher=MassLive |access-date=November 5, 2024}} Dozens of cars in the parking lot were badly damaged by flying debris. In Auburn, roughly {{convert|39|mi|km|abbr=on}} from Springfield, an advertising sign from the car wash was found.

Moving out of the South End, the tornado continued east into Six Corners, a residential urban neighborhood. Numerous houses and other structures in six corners suffered extensive damage as a result of the tornado.{{cite web|url=https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2012/06/01/a-year-after-deadly-tornado-springfield-neighborhood-still-reels/ |title=A year after deadly tornado, Springfield neighborhood still reels |last1=Roberts |first1=Rachel |last2=Varney |first2=Julie |last3=McCarron|first3=Matt |last4=Carroll|first4=Matt |date=June 1, 2012|access-date=November 4, 2024 |publisher=Boston.com }} The Elias Brookings School, an elementary school in Six Corners, was severely damaged as a result of the tornado.{{cite web|url=https://www.wamc.org/news/2021-10-06/former-school-damaged-by-tornado-gets-historic-designation |title=The former Elias Brookings school is being converted to apartments |last=Tuthill |first=Paul |date=October 6, 2021 |access-date=November 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221072230/https://www.wamc.org/news/2021-10-06/former-school-damaged-by-tornado-gets-historic-designation |archive-date=February 21, 2024|publisher=WAMC }} The school was not demolished as a result of the damage; it sat derelict and vacant until a private developer eventually purchased it from the city in June 2018, with the intention of renovating the building and converting it into affordable housing.{{cite web|url=https://neal.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2548 |title=

Former school damaged by 2011 tornado is now an apartment building |date=June 1, 2022 |access-date=November 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240918195206/https://neal.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2548 |archive-date=September 18, 2024 |publisher=Office of Congressman Richard Neal }}

After moving through Six Corners, the tornado passed through Springfield College, moving through the southern section of the campus.{{cite web|url=https://springfield.edu/about/history |title=Springfield College History |access-date=November 4, 2024 |publisher=Springfield College }} Numerous 150-year old maple and oak trees were uprooted or snapped in half by the tornado.{{cite web|url=https://scstudentmedia.com/picking-up-the-pieces-recovering-from-the-june-1-springfield-mass-tornado/ |title=Picking up the Pieces: Recovering from the June 1, Springfield, Mass. tornado |last=Guerard |first=Gabby |date=September 19, 2011|access-date=November 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517231144/https://scstudentmedia.com/picking-up-the-pieces-recovering-from-the-june-1-springfield-mass-tornado/ |archive-date=May 17, 2021 |publisher=The Springfield Student }} International Hall, a 9-story dormitory housing approximately 300 students, was struck directly by the tornado.{{cite web|url=https://springfield.edu/student-life/housing-and-residence-life/international-hall |title=International Hall |access-date=November 4, 2024 |publisher=Springfield College }} The metal façade was severely damaged, with large pieces torn off of the building. Almost all of the windows on the tower were blown out by flying debris or the tornado's powerful winds.

Three of the university's ten residence halls suffered severe roof damage (International Hall, Massasoit Hall & Reed Hall), necessitating extensive repairs over the summer, in time for the start of the fall 2011 semester. There were no injuries or fatalities at Springfield College.

File:Man and woman sitting among destructed property in Forest Park, Springfield, MA; 2011 tornado outbreak.jpg of Springfield]]

The East Forest Park neighborhood was hit especially hard by the tornado. Homes were destroyed (some were lifted off their foundations), cars were overturned, and access to and from the neighborhood was blocked for days due to downed trees and power lines.{{cite web|url=https://www.wwlp.com/news/local-news/hampden-county/springfield-10-years-since-a-deadly-ef-3-tornado-tore-through-east-forest-park/ |title=Springfield: 10 years since a deadly EF-3 tornado tore through East Forest Park |last=Knight |first=Taylor |date=June 1, 2021 |publisher=WWLP |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240616202133/https://www.wwlp.com/news/local-news/hampden-county/springfield-10-years-since-a-deadly-ef-3-tornado-tore-through-east-forest-park/ |archive-date=June 16, 2024 |access-date=November 4, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2011/06/one_day_after_the_tornado_resi.html |title=One day after the tornado, residents of Springfield's East Forest Park size up damage, lament being cut off from rest of city |last=Johnson |first=Patrick |date=June 3, 2011 |publisher=MassLive |access-date=November 4, 2024}} Cathedral High School was directly in the tornado's path; it sustained extensive structural damage and was demolished in 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2014/06/springfeilds_cathedral_high_sc.html |title=Springfield's Cathedral High School future settled 3 years after tornado |date=June 2014 |publisher=MassLive |access-date=July 2, 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2015/01/several_days_of_news_on_the_future_of_cathedral_follow_the_latest.html|title=Cathedral High School: A review of the latest stories on future of Springfield school |date=January 31, 2015 |publisher=MassLive |access-date=March 6, 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.co.uk/story/_/id/7998107/tornado-effects-felt-cathedral-high-springfield |title=Tornado effects still felt at Cathedral |last=McGuirk |first=John |date=June 1, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204194052/https://www.espn.co.uk/story/_/id/7998107/tornado-effects-felt-cathedral-high-springfield |archive-date=February 4, 2024 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=November 4, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2015/02/post_579.html |title=Cathedral High School timeline: From tornado to timetable for rebuilding |last=Robbins |first=Carolyn |date=February 26, 2015 |publisher=MassLive |access-date=November 4, 2024}} There were no injuries at the school; students were dismissed early due to the threat of severe weather. The few students and teachers still inside when the tornado struck escaped injury by taking shelter under desks, in closets, and behind bleachers.{{cite web|url=https://www.telegram.com/story/news/local/north/2011/09/06/battered-springfield-school-tries-to/49912984007/ |title=Battered Springfield school tries to rebound from tornado |last=Reitz |first=Stephanie |date=September 6, 2011 |publisher=Telegram & Gazette |access-date=November 4, 2024}} Debris from Cathedral High School was found roughly {{convert|43|mi|km}} east, in Millbury. Pennsylvania Avenue was hit especially hard by the tornado, with multiple homes being destroyed when the tornado passed through.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/residents-picking-up-the-pieces-after-tornado/1885860/ |title=Woman Dodges Flying Door, Tornado |last=Saperstone |first=Jeff |date=June 3, 2011 |publisher=NBC Connecticut |access-date=November 5, 2024}}

Springfield's Sixteen Acres, a suburban neighborhood – was severely damaged by the tornado.{{cite web |author=Mark M. Murray |url=http://photos.masslive.com/republican/2011/06/springfield_tornado_aftermath_18.html |title=Springfield Tornado aftermath {{pipe}} masslive.com |publisher=Photos.masslive.com |access-date=March 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325052253/http://photos.masslive.com/republican/2011/06/springfield_tornado_aftermath_18.html |archive-date=March 25, 2012 |url-status=dead }} Large trees were uprooted throughout the neighborhood, with multiple falling onto and damaging homes.{{cite web|url=https://www.wwlp.com/news/local-news/hampden-county/sixteen-acres-recovery-from-the-june-1-tornado-10-years-after/ |title=Sixteen Acres recovery from the June 1 tornado, 10 years after |last=Strzempko |first=Adam |date=June 1, 2021|access-date=November 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927065848/https://www.masslive.com/mywideworld/2011/06/springfields_veterans_golf_course_attempts_to_recover_from_tornado_damage.html |archive-date=September 27, 2021|publisher=WWLP }} Veterans Memorial Golf Course, an 18-hole golf course in the heart of Sixteen Acres, suffered extensive tree damage and moderate turf damage when the tornado passed through the north side of the golf course, moving along Plumtree Road.{{cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/sports/2011/06/back_nine_at_veterans_golf_cou.html |title=Back nine at Veterans Golf Course recovering after hundreds of trees were shredded by tornado |last=Held |first=Russ |date=June 4, 2011|access-date=November 4, 2024 |publisher=MassLive }}{{cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/mywideworld/2011/06/springfields_veterans_golf_course_attempts_to_recover_from_tornado_damage.html |title=Springfield's Veteran's Golf Course attempts to recover from Tornado damage |last=Coen |first=Scott |date=June 13, 2011|access-date=November 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927065848/https://www.masslive.com/mywideworld/2011/06/springfields_veterans_golf_course_attempts_to_recover_from_tornado_damage.html |archive-date=September 27, 2021|publisher=MassLive }}{{cite report|title=Rebuild Springfield - District Three: East Forest Park, Sixteen Acres |url=https://www.springfield-ma.gov/cos/fileadmin/tornado/rebuild_springfield/4_D3_FINAL_-_Reduced.pdf |publisher=City of Springfield |page=11 |access-date=November 7, 2024 |date=February 28, 2012 }} The Pioneer Valley Montessori School was damaged by the tornado as it passed through Sixteen Acres.{{cite web|url=https://businesswest.com/blog/pioneer-valley-montessori-receives-massmutual-foundation-grant/ |title=Pioneer Valley Montessori Receives MassMutual Foundation Grant |date=August 24, 2016|access-date=November 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429193801/https://businesswest.com/blog/pioneer-valley-montessori-receives-massmutual-foundation-grant/ |archive-date=April 29, 2022|publisher=MassLive }} Damage to buildings occurred on Bradley Road, Plumtree Road, Old Farm Road, Evergreen Road, Greenlawn Street, Glenvale Street, Talbot Road, South Branch Parkway, Parker Street, Cooley Street, Acrebrook Road, Westbrook Drive, Rochford Circle, Woodcrest Road, Druid Hill Road, White Oak Road, Woodland Road, Ranch Lane, Brianna Lane, Tinkham Road, Penncastle Street, Pennfield Street, Rachel Street, Albee Street, Angelica Drive, Calley Street, Flora Street, Garnet Street, and Tanglewood Drive.

Continuing eastward, the tornado tracked through Wilbraham, causing extensive deforestation and significant structural damage. The tornado moved along Tinkham Road and Monson Road, crossing Main Street south of the town center.{{cite web|url=https://www.wwlp.com/news/local-news/hampden-county/wilbraham-forest-still-recovering-from-june-1st-tornado-damage/ |title=Wilbraham forest still recovering from June 1st tornado damage |date=June 1, 2021 |access-date=November 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602033353/https://www.wwlp.com/news/local-news/hampden-county/wilbraham-forest-still-recovering-from-june-1st-tornado-damage/ |archive-date=June 2, 2021 |publisher=WWLP }} On Tinkham Road, the tornado passed through the historic Adams Cemetery, damaging headstones, trees, and fencing.{{cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2011/07/wilbraham_will_seek_to_renovat.html |title=Wilbraham will seek to renovate historic Adams Cemetery damaged in tornado |last=McLaughlin |first=Suzanne |date=July 12, 2011 |access-date=November 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240616064923/https://www.masslive.com/news/2011/07/wilbraham_will_seek_to_renovat.html |archive-date=June 16, 2024 |publisher=MassLive }} Damage to homes and other structures occurred on West Colonial Road, Eastwood Drive, Wendy Road, South Colonial Road, Brookside Drive, Brookside Circle, Stony Hill Road, Evangeline Drive, Tinkham Road, Main Street, Church Lane, Wildwood Lane, Echo Hill Road, Bolles Road, Hollow Road, Glendale Road, Ames Road, and Monson Road. At the Wilbraham Children's Museum on Main Street, fencing and a playground were damaged by fallen trees and flying debris.{{cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2011/06/playground_at_wilbraham_childr.html |title=Fund-raisers planned for playground at Wilbraham Children's Museum damaged by tornado |last=McLaughlin |first=Suzanne |date=June 25, 2011 |access-date=November 5, 2024 |publisher=MassLive }} The museum building itself suffered roof and siding damage, in addition to broken windows.{{cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/living/2012/05/wilbraham_childrens_museum_to_hold_ruby_slipper_sneaker_family_picnic_to_mark_first_anniversary_of_j.html |title=Wilbraham Children's Museum to hold picnic to mark anniversary of June 1 tornado |last=McLaughlin |first=Suzanne |date=May 30, 2012 |access-date=November 5, 2024 |publisher=MassLive }} The tornado then passed through Rice Nature Preserve and the Sunrise Peak Conservation Area, as it began to climb Minnechaug Mountain, heading east towards Monson.{{cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2012/06/wilbraham_residents_shocked_bu.html |title=Wilbraham residents shocked, but counting their blessings after tornado hit town |last=McLaughlin |first=Suzanne |date=June 1, 2012 |access-date=November 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202163243/https://www.masslive.com/news/2012/06/wilbraham_residents_shocked_bu.html |archive-date=December 2, 2022 |publisher=MassLive }} A total of 237 buildings in Wilbraham received damage from the tornado, 13 of which were destroyed.{{cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2011/09/deadline_is_monday_for_wilbrah.html |title=Deadline looming for Wilbraham residents to apply for tornado relief |last=McLaughlin |first=Suzanne |date=September 15, 2011 |access-date=November 5, 2024 |publisher=MassLive }} All injuries in Wilbraham were non-life-threatening and relatively minor.

File:Aerial view of houses destroyed by 2011 tornado; Western MA; (DSC02639).jpg

The storm then moved through the center of Monson, crossing over Main Street (Route 32) and damaging nearly every structure in the area. Many homes were badly damaged, some of which were completely flattened. A total of 77 buildings were destroyed, some completely. Some unanchored homes in town slid from their foundations and collapsed. The roof of the old Monson High School, which is now the town's police building, was completely destroyed. In Natick, roughly {{convert|60|mi|km}} from Monson, a picture from the town was found.{{cite web|author=Alissa Letkowski |publisher=Natick Patch |date=June 4, 2011 |access-date=June 5, 2011 |title=Monson Family Recognizes Son's Photo Blown to Natick by Tornado |url=http://natick.patch.com/articles/monson-family-recognizes-sons-photo-blown-to-natick-by-tornado-2 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522195702/https://www.webcitation.org/5zDiWZuQ6?url=http://natick.patch.com/articles/monson-family-recognizes-sons-photo-blown-to-natick-by-tornado-2 |archive-date=May 22, 2024 |df=mdy }} A house on Stewart Avenue was flipped upside-down by the tornado, landing on its roof. A woman who was sheltering in a bathroom inside the house was injured when the tornado pulled her out of the window.{{cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2011/06/tornado_turned_monson_resident.html |title=Tornado turned Monson resident Judi Bedell's life upside down -- literally |last=Stabile |first=Lori |date=June 28, 2011 |access-date=November 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526021309/https://www.masslive.com/news/2011/06/tornado_turned_monson_resident.html |archive-date=May 26, 2021 |publisher=MassLive }}{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/couple-survived-house-flipping-in-monson/ |title=Couple Survived House Flipping In Monson |last=Robichaud |first=David |date=June 3, 2011 |access-date=November 5, 2024 |publisher=CBS News }} The tornado damaged the First Church of Monson, knocking over its distinctive steeple.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna43248653 |title=

Deadly Mass. twisters tore through 18 communities |date=June 2, 2011 |access-date=November 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202100727/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna43248653 |archive-date=December 2, 2023 |publisher=NBC News }} Another church, the Unitarian Universalist Parish of Monson, similarly lost its steeple in the tornado.{{cite web|url=https://www.uuworld.org/articles/tornado-topples-steeple |title=Tornado topples steeple of Massachusetts church |last=Skinner |first=Donald E. |date=June 6, 2011|access-date=November 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240421111627/https://www.uuworld.org/articles/tornado-topples-steeple |archive-date=April 21, 2024|publisher=UUWorld}} A 75-year-old woman from Monson, Joan Bacon, was indirectly killed by the tornado; she died in the hospital the next morning after the tornado severely damaged her home while she was sheltering in the basement.{{cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2011/06/massachusetts_tornado_victim_virginia_ginger_darlow_remembered.html |title=Massachusetts tornado victim Virginia 'Ginger' Darlow remembered as 'unique, cheerful' artist |last=Stabile |first=Lori |date=June 11, 2011|access-date=November 3, 2024 |publisher=MassLive }}{{cite web|url=https://www.wbur.org/news/2012/06/01/monson-tornado-anniversary-i |title=Memories Still Raw, Monson Rebuilds 1 Year After Tornado |last=Jolicoeur |first=Lynn |date=June 1, 2012|access-date=November 3, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002110556/https://www.wbur.org/news/2012/06/01/monson-tornado-anniversary-i |archive-date=October 2, 2023 |publisher=WBUR News }}{{cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2011/06/monson_pastor_delivers_message.html |title=Monson pastor delivers message of hope after tornado; massive volunteer effort under way to help those in need |last=Stabile |first=Lori |date=June 5, 2011|access-date=November 3, 2024 |publisher=MassLive }}

File:Felled trees and property damage from 2011 tornado; Brimfield, MA.jpg

Shortly before 5:00 p.m.,{{cite web|author=Travis Andersen |work=The Boston Globe |date=June 2, 2011 |access-date=June 5, 2011 |title=In Brimfield, terror – and death – arrived in a cloud laden with debris |url=http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2011/06/in_brimfield_te.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609020449/http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2011/06/in_brimfield_te.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 9, 2011 }} the tornado moved through Brimfield State Forest where it reached its maximum width of {{convert|0.5|mi|km}}. Thousands of trees were snapped and uprooted in this area. In Brimfield, a total of 192 buildings were damaged and 39 homes were destroyed by the tornado, including several that were completely swept from their foundations.{{cite web |title=June 1, 2011 Tornado Response: After action report and improvement plan |url=https://www.wrhsac.org/frcog/Mass%20Tornado%20AAR%20IP%20Jan%202012.pdf |publisher=Western Massachusetts Homeland Security Advisory Council & Central Region Homeland Security Advisory Council |date=January 18, 2012}}{{cite web|url=https://www.wwlp.com/news/local-news/hampden-county/path-of-june-1-2011-tornado-still-visible-in-brimfield/ |title=Path of June 1, 2011 tornado still visible in Brimfield |date=June 1, 2021 |access-date=November 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210601231148/https://www.wwlp.com/news/local-news/hampden-county/path-of-june-1-2011-tornado-still-visible-in-brimfield/ |archive-date=June 1, 2021 |publisher=WWLP }} Damage to buildings occurred on Sutcliffe Road, Dean Pond Road, Dearth Hill Road, Hollow Road, Haynes Hill Road, Wales Road (Route 19), Paige Hill Road, Holland Road, Sturbridge Road (U.S. Route 20), and East Brimfield-Holland Road. On Paige Hill Road, one horse was killed and three horses were injured by flying debris.{{cite web|url=https://www.telegram.com/story/news/local/south-west/2016/05/29/2011-tornado-ill-never-forget-it-but-life-goes-on/28411211007/ |title=A survivor, not a victim |last=Semon |first=Craig S. |date=May 29, 2016 |access-date=November 4, 2024 |publisher=Telegram & Gazette }} The Village Green campground in East Brimfield was devastated by the tornado, with 95 out of 96 trailers destroyed. One woman, 52-year-old Virginia Darlow, was crushed to death by a refrigerator that fell on top of her when her RV was overturned by the tornado.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/brimfield-campground-owner-victim-refused-to-leave-camper/ |title=Brimfield Campground Owner: Victim Refused To Leave Camper |date=June 2, 2011 |access-date=November 5, 2024 |publisher=CBS Boston }} Her boyfriend was critically injured; they both declined to vacate when the owners of the campground warned them of the approaching tornado and encouraged them to seek shelter.{{cite book|title=History of East Brimfield and the Lost Village|last1=Mahitka|first1=John Jr.|last2=Lucier|first2=Kenneth|date=October 26, 2019|isbn=9781684712076}} 22 other campers and campground residents took shelter with the owners of the campground in the basement of a house on the property, narrowly avoiding further injury or loss of life at the campground.{{cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2011/06/brimfields_village_green_campg.html|title=Tornado destroyed 95 of 97 camper trailers at Brimfield's Village Green campground|last=Appleton|first=John|date=June 6, 2011|access-date=November 4, 2024|publisher=MassLive }}{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/tornado-brimfield-village-green-family-campground-rebuild-10-years-later/ |title='Like A Freight Train': Owner Of Brimfield Campground Recalls Deadly 2011 Tornado|last=Fisher|first=Eric P.|date=June 1, 2021|access-date=November 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601135454/https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/tornado-brimfield-village-green-family-campground-rebuild-10-years-later/ |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |publisher=MassLive }} Losses at the Village Green campground exceeded $1 million.{{cite web|author=M.R.F. Buckley|publisher=WCBV-TV|date=June 3, 2011|access-date=June 3, 2011|title=Destruction To Demolition, Tornado Cleanup Begins|url=http://www.thebostonchannel.com/r/28118232/detail.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403040737/http://www.thebostonchannel.com/r/28118232/detail.html|archive-date=April 3, 2012|df=mdy-all}} Moving southeast, the tornado devastated the Quinebaug Cove campground in Brimfield, damaging or destroying an estimated 80 percent of the campground.{{Cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2016/06/five_years_after_2011_tornado.html|title=Five years after tornado, Brimfield shows signs new life|date=June 2016}} There were no injuries or fatalities at the Quinebaug Cove campground.{{cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2011/06/brimfield_residents_pulled_tog.html |title=Brimfield residents pulled together after tornado ripped through the eastern Hampden County town|date=June 19, 2011|access-date=November 3, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220061638/https://www.masslive.com/news/2011/06/brimfield_residents_pulled_tog.html |archive-date=December 20, 2021 |publisher=MassLive }} A bank statement which was displaced by the tornado was found in a Boston 25 News parking lot in Dedham, roughly {{convert|53|mi|km}} away from Brimfield.{{cite tweet|number=76403965025198080|user=boston25|title=We just found a bank statement from Brimfield in our parking lot..... IN DEDHAM! http://bit.ly/lnAsdU #tornado|date=June 2, 2011}}

File:2011 Storm and Tornado Response Tornado Damage DSC02610 (5805167018).jpg]]

File:Tornado Damage at Sturbridge.JPG

The tornado crossed into Worcester County, passing over East Brimfield Lake in the process. The tornado moved to the south of Fiskdale and struck the town of Sturbridge, where thousands of trees were downed and multiple homes were damaged. The tornado passed through Old Sturbridge Village, a living history museum consisting of 240 acres (97 hectares) of land and 59 antique buildings.{{cite web|url=https://www.osv.org/about-the-village/ |title=About the village |access-date=November 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001110816/https://www.osv.org/about-the-village/ |archive-date=October 1, 2024 |publisher=Old Sturbridge Village }}{{cite web|url=https://www.americanheritage.com/content/old-sturbridge-village |title=Old Sturbridge Village |access-date=November 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221174251/https://www.americanheritage.com/content/old-sturbridge-village |archive-date=February 21, 2024 |publisher=American Heritage }} Damage at Old Sturbridge Village was mostly limited to trees and power lines in the forested southern section of the museum grounds, furthest from the buildings and exhibits.{{cite web|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110601007710/en/Old-Sturbridge-Village-Closed-Thursday-June-2-Due-to-Storm-Related-Power-Outage-in-the-Town-of-Sturbridge |title=Old Sturbridge Village Closed Thursday, June 2 Due to Storm-Related Power Outage in the Town of Sturbridge |last=Lindblad |first=Ann |date=June 1, 2011|access-date=November 4, 2024 |publisher=Business Wire }} The tornado did not cause significant damage to any of the antique buildings.{{cite web|url=https://www.telegram.com/story/news/state/2011/06/02/waking-to-destruction/50013199007/ |title=Waking to destruction |date=June 2, 2011|access-date=November 4, 2024 |publisher=Telegram & Gazette }}{{cite web|url=https://www.antiquesandthearts.com/deadly-tornado-rips-through-brimfield-mass/ |title=Deadly Tornado Rips Through Brimfield, Mass. |date=June 3, 2011|access-date=November 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620231953/https://www.antiquesandthearts.com/deadly-tornado-rips-through-brimfield-mass/ |archive-date=June 20, 2024 |publisher=Antiques and the Arts Weekly }} The tornado then crossed Interstate 84 south of exit 6A (old exit 3A), knocking over a gantry sign onto the southbound carriageway.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna43242642 |title=Mass. tornadoes kill 4, damage homes |date=June 1, 2011|access-date=November 3, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121151024/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna43242642 |archive-date=January 21, 2021|publisher=NBC News }}{{cite web|url=https://spectrumnews1.com/ma/worcester/news/2022/06/01/first-responders-reflect-11-years-after-2011-tornado |title=First responders look back on 2011 tornado 11 years later |date=June 1, 2022 |access-date=November 3, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601212519/https://spectrumnews1.com/ma/worcester/news/2022/06/01/first-responders-reflect-11-years-after-2011-tornado |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |publisher=Spectrum News }} At 5:22 p.m EDT (21:22 UTC), nearly 10 minutes after the tornado passed through Sturbridge, the Massachusetts State Police reported that multiple cars had overturned on Interstate 84 as a result of the tornado.{{cite web|url=https://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Landsat_5_Satellite_Sees_Tornado_Track_near_Sturbridge_Massachusetts_999.html |title=Landsat 5 Satellite Sees Tornado Track near Sturbridge, Massachusetts |date=June 10, 2011|access-date=November 3, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810200638/https://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Landsat_5_Satellite_Sees_Tornado_Track_near_Sturbridge_Massachusetts_999.html |archive-date=August 10, 2014|publisher=Space Daily }}{{cite web|url=https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/50854/tornado-track-near-sturbridge-massachusetts |title=Tornado Track near Sturbridge, Massachusetts |date=June 5, 2011|access-date=November 3, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927174159/https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/50854/tornado-track-near-sturbridge-massachusetts |archive-date=September 27, 2024|publisher=NASA Earth Observatory }} A 34-room Days Inn hotel on Haynes Street suffered a near-direct hit from the tornado.{{cite web|url=https://www.wbur.org/news/2011/06/02/sturbridge-damage |title=In Sturbridge, Tornado Damage Proves Erratic |last=Breslow |first=Jason |date=June 2, 2011|access-date=November 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330232914/https://www.wbur.org/news/2011/06/02/sturbridge-damage |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |publisher=WBUR News }} Multiple trees fell onto and damaged the hotel, and all four buildings were damaged beyond repair.{{cite web|url=https://www.telegram.com/story/business/columns/2017/01/15/aaron-nicodemus-sturbridge-hotel-owners-left-out-in-cold-after-2011-storms/22668278007/ |title=Sturbridge hotel owners left out in cold after 2011 storms |last=Nicodermus|first=Aaron|date=January 15, 2017|access-date=November 3, 2024 |publisher=Telegram & Gazette }} On Main Street (Route 131), Sturbridge Auto Body was struck directly by the tornado, collapsing the cinder block structure and destroying 106 cars.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/five-days-later-sturbridge-picking-up-the-pieces-from-tornado-damage/ |title=Five Days Later: Sturbridge Picking Up The Pieces From Tornado Damage |last=Shortsleeve |first=Joe |date=June 6, 2011|access-date=November 4, 2024 |publisher=CBS News Boston }} There were no injuries at Sturbridge Auto Body; employees took shelter after receiving advance warning of the approaching tornado.{{cite web|url=https://www.telegram.com/story/news/2014/06/01/devastating-tornado-unforgettable/37211898007/ |title=Devastating tornado unforgettable |last=Thompson |first=Elaine |date=June 1, 2014|access-date=November 4, 2024 |publisher=Telegram & Gazette }} Damage to buildings occurred on Streeter Road, Holland Road, Stallion Hill Road, Old Sturbridge Village Road, Haynes Street, Farquhar Road, Main Street, Willard Road, and Fiske Hill Road.{{cite web|url=https://www.telegram.com/story/news/local/north/2011/06/09/sturbridge-meeting-maps-out-tornado/50005493007/ |title=Sturbridge meeting maps out tornado recovery efforts |last=Lee |first=Brian |date=June 9, 2011 |access-date=November 3, 2024 |publisher=Telegram & Gazette }}

File:Southbridge Airport Storm Damage, June 3, 2011 (5794396120).jpg

The tornado tracked through the northern section of Southbridge, avoiding the densely populated town center. Upon entering Southbridge, the tornado crossed through the McKinstry Brook wildlife management area, deforesting approximately 50 acres (20.2 hectares) of land.{{cite web|url=https://www.telegram.com/story/news/local/north/2011/07/22/tornado-s-path-creates-living/49959220007/ |title=Tornado's path creates living lab |last=Miner |first=Bradford L. |date=July 22, 2011 |access-date=November 7, 2024 |publisher=Telegram & Gazette }}{{cite web|url=https://thelastgreenvalley.org/member-directory/mckinstry-brook-wildlife-management-area/ |title=McKinstry Brook Wildlife Management Area |access-date=November 7, 2024 |publisher=The Last Green Valley }}{{cite web|url=https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2012/10/when-its-best-to-do-nothing-at-all/ |date=October 20, 2012 |last=Hart |first=Clarisse |title=When it’s best to do nothing at all |access-date=November 7, 2024 |publisher=The Harvard Gazette }} After exiting the wildlife management area, the tornado damaged several homes and uprooted trees on Pleasant Street. The tornado then moved through the southern section of Southbridge Municipal Airport, damaging or destroying 15 of the 17 airplanes at the airport. The tornado flipped or picked up the airplanes, sending multiple into the nearby woods.{{cite web|url=https://www.aero-news.net/aNNTicker.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=8379b9ae-4c1e-4f54-9201-af42b2b4990b |title=Southbridge, MA, Airport Suffers Extensive Tornado Damage |date=June 7, 2011|access-date=November 3, 2024 |publisher=Aero News Network }}{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/sturbridge-hit-by-two-tornadoes-in-a-matter-of-hours/ |title=Two Tornadoes Spotted In Sturbridge, Monson Unrecognizable |last1=Hager |first1=Christina |last2=Germano |first2=Beth |date=June 1, 2011 |access-date=November 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240731142122/https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/sturbridge-hit-by-two-tornadoes-in-a-matter-of-hours/ |archive-date=July 31, 2024 |publisher=CBS News }} The airport's maintenance and office buildings were damaged, fencing at the airport was destroyed, and a hangar was destroyed.{{cite web|url=https://fearoflanding.com/misc/southbridge-tornado/ |title=Southbridge Tornado |last=Wrigley |first=Sylvia |date=June 10, 2011|access-date=November 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240613082522/https://fearoflanding.com/misc/southbridge-tornado/ |archive-date=June 13, 2024 |publisher=Fear of Landing }}{{cite web|url=https://www.telegram.com/story/news/local/north/2014/03/13/southbridge-resumes-planning-to-rebuild/38248813007/ |title=Southbridge resumes planning to rebuild airport hard hit by 2011 tornado |last=Lee |first=Brian |date=March 13, 2014 |access-date=November 5, 2024 |publisher=Telegram & Gazette }} Moving east, the tornado ripped through the Rosemeade Apartments on Worcester Street (Route 169), destroying or severely damaging 68 apartments across six buildings.{{cite web|url=https://www.telegram.com/story/news/local/north/2011/06/03/68-apartments-are-destroyed/50012300007/ |title=68 apartments are destroyed |last=Owen |first=Paula J. |date=June 3, 2011|access-date=November 3, 2024 |publisher=Telegram & Gazette }}{{cite web|url=https://www.telegram.com/story/news/local/north/2011/06/15/damaged-apartments-in-southbridge-on/49999018007/ |title=Damaged apartments in Southbridge on the mend |last=Semon |first=Craig S. |date=June 15, 2011|access-date=November 3, 2024 |publisher=Telegram & Gazette }} There were no injuries at the Rosemeade Apartments.{{cite web|url=https://www.wbur.org/news/2011/06/10/southbridge-tornado-folo |title=After The Tornado, Southbridge Community Comes Together |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230611001717/https://www.wbur.org/news/2011/06/10/southbridge-tornado-folo |archive-date=June 11, 2023 |last=Tobin|first=Lisa |date=June 10, 2011|access-date=November 3, 2024 |publisher=WBUR News }} The tornado then caused severe damage to homes, trees, fences, and power lines on Worcester Street, Brookside Road, Charlton Street, and Harrington Road. A total of 78 buildings in Southbridge were damaged by the tornado.{{cite web|url=https://www.necn.com/news/local/_necn__southbridge__mass__still_recovering_from_2011_tornado_necn/159657/ |title=Southbridge, Mass. Still Recovering From 2011 Tornado |last=Toupin |first=Melissa |date=March 21, 2014 |access-date=November 3, 2024 |publisher=New England Cable News }}

File:2011 Storm and Tornado Response Tornado Damage DSC02652 (5804621381).jpg

The tornado then moved into southwest Charlton, damaging trees, personal property, and nearly a dozen homes on Denfield Road. Damage to homes was mostly limited to siding and rooves; none of the affected structures in Charlton were significantly damaged or destroyed.{{cite web|url=https://www.telegram.com/picture-gallery/news/2011/06/02/slideshow-tornado-and-severe-thunderstorms/65628993007/ |title=SLIDESHOW: Tornado and severe thunderstorms |date=June 1, 2011|access-date=November 3, 2024|publisher=Telegram & Gazette}} The tornado then began to weaken as it left the Denfield Road neighborhood, knocking down trees and power lines as it crossed Guelphwood Road, moving to the east.{{cite web|url=https://www.necn.com/news/local/_necn__charlton_residents_feel_they_are_forgotten_by_feds_necn/1960757/ |title=Charlton Residents Feel They Are Forgotten by Feds |last=Toupin |first=Melissa |date=March 27, 2014 |access-date=November 3, 2024 |publisher=New England Cable News (NECN)}} The tornado ultimately dissipated in a forested area near the intersection of Denfield Road and Guelphwood Road in Charlton, at 5:27 p.m EDT (21:27 UTC). There were no injuries or fatalities in Charlton.

{{Clear}}

File:National Guard and state police secure Main Street in Springfield, MA; 2011 tornado outbreak.jpg troops and Massachusetts State Police secure Main Street in Springfield, Massachusetts, on June 2, 2011.]]

Immediately following the storms, four people were reported dead. That number was later reduced to three as one Springfield man was found to have died of an unrelated heart attack prior to the tornado's impact. Hundreds of people were admitted to hospitals with injuries ranging from lightning strikes to trauma, and almost 500 people were forced to leave their homes, most of whom stayed in the MassMutual Center.{{cite news|last=Post | first=Paul |url=http://www.saratogian.com/articles/2011/06/03/news/doc4de98ffd11155281443949.txt |title=Area Red Cross volunteers sent to aid tornado victims in Springfield, Mass. |publisher=The Saratogian |location=Saratoga Springs, N.Y. |date=June 3, 2011 |access-date=March 27, 2012}}{{cite news|last=Flynn | first=Jack |url=http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2011/06/springfield_tornado_death_toll.html |title=Springfield tornado death toll at 3; Massachusetts Congressional delegation appeals to President Obama for disaster declaration |publisher=MassLive.com |location=Springfield, Mass. |date=June 3, 2011 |access-date=March 27, 2012}} Over two weeks later, more than 200 people were still homeless at the MassMutual Center in Springfield.{{cite web|author=Shane Symolon |url=http://www.wwlp.com/dpp/news/local/hampden/hundreds-still-homeless-after-tornadoes |title=Hundreds still homeless after tornadoes |publisher=WWLP.com |access-date=March 27, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322001638/http://www.wwlp.com/dpp/news/local/hampden/hundreds-still-homeless-after-tornadoes |archive-date=March 22, 2012 }} In addition to the MassMutual Center, Tantasqua High School in Sturbridge and Brookfield Elementary School were opened up as emergency shelters. A Special Emergency Response Team was activated by the state police in order to search for missing people and those trapped underneath debris.

File:Brimfield Tornado Cleanup, June 3, 2011 (5793105143).jpg

In Springfield, firefighters from Boston, Worcester, Newton, Waltham, Watertown, and Weston assisted in rescue efforts.{{cite web|last=Jimenez |first=Monica |url=http://www.wickedlocal.com/chelmsford/news/x437339185/Chelmsford-firefighters-collect-for-Springfield-tornado-relief#axzz1QKiQmkYu |title=Chelmsford firefighters collect for Springfield tornado relief – Chelmsford, Massachusetts – Chelmsford Independent |publisher=Wickedlocal.com |date=June 6, 2011 |access-date=March 27, 2012}}{{cite news|author1=Bronislaus B. Kush |author2=Nick Kotsopoulos |author3=Lee Hammel |author4=Gerard F. Russell |author5=Robert Kievra |author6=Jacqueline Reis |agency=Associated Press |publisher=Worcester Telegram |date=June 1, 2011 |access-date=June 20, 2011 |title=Tornadoes rip across state; 4 dead |url=http://www.telegram.com/article/20110601/NEWS/110609970/-1/NEWS04 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522195419/https://www.webcitation.org/5zaCDhz6H?url=http://www.telegram.com/article/20110601/NEWS/110609970/-1/NEWS04 |archive-date=May 22, 2024 |df=mdy }} Governor Deval Patrick also declared a state of emergency in Massachusetts, and activated 1,000 National Guard troops for rescue and recovery efforts.{{cite web | url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/massachusetts-rocked-multiple-tornadoes-including-city-springfield-possibly/story?id=13737522&sms_ss=facebook&at_xt=4de6f2afa93a9b3a%2C0 | title=Massachusetts Rocked by Tornadoes, Including City of Springfield; 4 Dead | work=ABC News | date=June 1, 2011 | access-date=June 1, 2011 |author1=Forer, Ben |author2=Michael S. James}} By June 2, six Red Cross shelters had been opened in the state and housed about 480 people.{{cite web|publisher=PR Newswire |date=June 2, 2011 |access-date=June 20, 2011 |title=Red Cross Helping After Tornadoes Tear Through Massachusetts |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/red-cross-helping-after-tornadoes-tear-through-massachusetts-123031908.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606122811/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/red-cross-helping-after-tornadoes-tear-through-massachusetts-123031908.html |archive-date=June 6, 2011 |df=mdy }}{{cite web|author=Renee Nadeau Algarin |publisher=Boston Herald |date=June 2, 2011 |access-date=June 20, 2011 |title=Red Cross asks for help for victims |url=http://bostonherald.com.nyud.net/news/regional/view/2011_0602red_cross_asks_for_help_for_victims/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5zaCcJ4Ao?url=http://bostonherald.com.nyud.net/news/regional/view/2011_0602red_cross_asks_for_help_for_victims/ |archive-date=June 20, 2011 |df=mdy }} On June 2, 2011, the Business Improvement District of Hartford, Connecticut – Springfield's bi-state twin city – and the Downtown Boston Business Improvement District were helping the Springfield Business Improvement District with clean-up.{{cite web |author=Mark M. Murray |url=http://photos.masslive.com/republican/2011/06/tornado_clean_up_continued_friday_in_springfield_4.html |title=Tornado clean up continued Friday in Springfield {{pipe}} masslive.com |publisher=Photos.masslive.com |access-date=March 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325052457/http://photos.masslive.com/republican/2011/06/tornado_clean_up_continued_friday_in_springfield_4.html |archive-date=March 25, 2012 |url-status=dead }} Within two days of the tornadoes, the process of demolishing "structures beyond repair" began as local officials inspected hundreds of damaged homes.{{cite news|author=Dave Collins |agency=Associated Press |work=The Boston Globe |date=June 3, 2011 |access-date=June 20, 2011 |title=W. Mass. picking up the pieces after tornadoes |url=http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2011/06/03/w_mass_picking_up_the_pieces_after_tornadoes/?page=full |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522195501/https://www.webcitation.org/5zaCv41hV?url=http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2011/06/03/w_mass_picking_up_the_pieces_after_tornadoes/%3Fpage=full |archive-date=May 22, 2024 |df=mdy }} By June 7, three shelters remained open, housing 362 people.{{cite web|author=Jessica Heslam|publisher=Boston Herald|date=June 7, 2011|access-date=June 20, 2011|title=Officials assess damage|url=http://news.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/2011_0607officialsassess_damage_must_top_83m_to_get_fed_funds/srvc%3Dhome%26position%3Dalso|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5zaD3CfRo?url=http://news.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/2011_0607officialsassess_damage_must_top_83m_to_get_fed_funds/srvc%3Dhome%26position%3Dalso|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 20, 2011}} AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) deployed their nearby team, Summit 7 of Class 17, to aid the community in debris removal. Armed with chainsaws and other tools, the team spent several weeks helping residents clean up their homes and properties.

Graduations at Monson High School in Monson and Cathedral High School in Springfield were scheduled for Thursday, June 2, and Friday, June 3, respectively. Both graduation ceremonies were rescheduled due to the tornado's impact on both communities and the severe damage at Cathedral High School.{{cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2011/06/live_updates_western_mass_torn.html |title=Live updates: Western Mass. tornado recovery effort underway Thursday |date=June 2, 2011 |access-date=November 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421142043/https://www.masslive.com/news/2011/06/live_updates_western_mass_torn.html |archive-date=April 21, 2021 |publisher=MassLive }}

File:Wilbraham, MA 2011 tornado outbreak response by National Guard.jpg

On June 15, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declared Hampden and Worcester Counties as major disaster areas, allowing for government aid to be distributed to affected residents. The following day, the number of insurance claims sharply rose from about 5,000 to 8,200. In addition to federal funds, state lawmakers passed a $50.3 million supplemental budget that included $15 million for emergency response, cleanup, and assistance and shelter to residents affected by the storms.{{cite news|author=Johanna Kaiser |agency=Associated Press |work=The Boston Globe |date=June 16, 2011 |access-date=June 20, 2011 |title=Mass. tornado claims rise; more funding offered |url=http://articles.boston.com/2011-06-16/news/29666422_1_federal-disaster-insurance-claims-disaster-recovery-centers |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240522195622/https://www.webcitation.org/5zaDWyebr?url=http://articles.boston.com/2011-06-16/news/29666422_1_federal-disaster-insurance-claims-disaster-recovery-centers |archive-date=May 22, 2024 |df=mdy }} By June 20, just over $1 million in individual aid had been provided to 254 households.{{cite web|publisher=Federal Emergency Management Agency|date=June 20, 2011|access-date=June 20, 2011|title=Massachusetts Severe Storms and Tornadoes|url=http://www.fema.gov/news/eventcounties.fema?id=14733|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110818202850/http://www.fema.gov/news/eventcounties.fema?id=14733|archive-date=August 18, 2011|df=mdy-all}} $3.9M in federal funds were given to cities and towns for emergency items including debris removal and road and sidewalk repair.{{cite web|url=http://transportation.blog.state.ma.us/blog/2012/05/springfield-tornado-relief-road-repair-funds.html|date=May 2012|access-date=2012-06-04|title=Commonwealth Conversations / Transportation / Springfield: Tornado Relief Road Repair Funds}} In addition to assistance from MassDOT and waiving of license replacement fees in June by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, Massport donated $300,000 in unused construction supplies from the Boston Logan Residential Soundproofing Program.

In Sturbridge, it took 18 months for the local auto body shop, Sturbridge Auto Body, to rebuild and reopen after being completely destroyed by the tornado. A significant amount of debris from the tornado landed in the Quinebaug River in Sturbridge, causing moderate flooding at Old Sturbridge Village. Flood conditions did not subside until after July, causing numerous scheduled events at Old Sturbridge Village to be canceled, including an Independence Day fireworks celebration.{{cite web|url=https://www.wbjournal.com/article/tornado-damage-forces-osv-fireworks-cancellation |title=Tornado Damage Forces OSV Fireworks Cancellation |date=June 29, 2011 |access-date=November 4, 2024 |publisher=Worcester Business Journal }}

In August 2012, the Unitarian Universalist Parish of Monson received a new steeple after it was destroyed by the tornado.{{cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2012/08/unitarian_universalist_parish.html |title=Unitarian Universalist Parish of Monson gets new steeple after tornado destroys old one |last=Stabile |first=Lori |date=August 30, 2012 |access-date=November 5, 2024|publisher=MassLive }} In October 2013, the First Church of Monson similarly replaced its destroyed steeple.{{cite web|url=https://www.wcvb.com/article/monson-church-replacing-steeple-destroyed-in-2011-tornado/8189009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329231907/https://www.wcvb.com/article/monson-church-replacing-steeple-destroyed-in-2011-tornado/8189009 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2023-03-29 |title=Monson church replacing steeple destroyed in 2011 tornado |last=Atwater |first=John |date=October 2, 2013 |access-date=November 5, 2024 |publisher=WCVB (Channel 5) }}{{cite web|url=https://www.boston.com/uncategorized/noprimarytagmatch/2013/10/17/tornado-wracked-town-gathers-to-hail-raising-of-fallen-steeple/ |title=Tornado-wracked town gathers to hail raising of fallen steeple |last=Schworm |first=Peter |date=October 17, 2013 |access-date=November 5, 2024 |publisher=Boston.com }}

In May 2014, the Town of Southbridge received $1 million from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for reconstruction work at Southbridge Municipal Airport, to renovate multiple buildings and rebuild a hangar destroyed by the tornado.{{cite web|url=https://www.necn.com/news/local/_necn__mass__airport_damaged_in_2011_tornado_gets_1m_to_rebuild_necn/101302/ |title=Mass. Airport Damaged in 2011 Tornado Gets 1M to Rebuild |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627193031/https://www.necn.com/news/local/_necn__mass__airport_damaged_in_2011_tornado_gets_1m_to_rebuild_necn/101302/ |archive-date=June 27, 2024|date=May 25, 2014 |access-date=November 3, 2024|publisher=New England Cable News }}

In October 2017, a rebuilt South End Community Center in Springfield opened on Marble Street, funded by $6 million in federal disaster funding and $4 million in city funds.{{cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/news/2017/10/dream_come_true_after_tornado.html |title=Dream come true: After tornado, 6-year effort brings new $10.3M South End Community Center (photos) |last=Goonan |first=Peter |date=October 26, 2017 |access-date=November 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620195603/https://www.masslive.com/news/2017/10/dream_come_true_after_tornado.html |archive-date=June 20, 2021 |publisher=MassLive }}

In August 2018, Pope Francis Preparatory School opened on the site of the former Cathedral High School, which was severely damaged by the tornado and demolished in 2014.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/new-school-opening-7-years-after-tornado-destroyed-catholic-high-school/18283/ |title=New School Opening 7 Years After Tornado Destroyed Catholic High School |date=May 7, 2018 |access-date=November 5, 2024 |publisher=NBC Boston }}

On June 1, 2021, the tenth anniversary of the tornado outbreak, a monument commemorating the tornado's impact on Springfield was unveiled in the East Forest Park neighborhood.{{cite web|url=https://www.wwlp.com/news/local-news/hampden-county/monument-stands-as-reminder-of-tornado-that-hit-six-corners-in-springfield/ |title=Monument stands as reminder of tornado that hit Six Corners in Springfield |date=June 1, 2021 |access-date=November 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602075017/https://www.wwlp.com/news/local-news/hampden-county/monument-stands-as-reminder-of-tornado-that-hit-six-corners-in-springfield/ |archive-date=June 2, 2021 |publisher=WWLP }}

• List of North American tornadoes and tornado outbreaks
• 1953 Worcester tornado – High-end F4 tornado that caused catastrophic damage and loss of life in the city of Worcester and throughout central Massachusetts
• 1989 Northeastern United States tornado outbreak – The previous tornado outbreak to affect the Northeast.
• 1995 Great Barrington tornado – The third (and most recent) F4 tornado to affect Massachusetts
• 2014 Revere Tornado – Brief but strong tornado in eastern Massachusetts that caused significant damage in Revere and Chelsea

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{{Attached KML}}

{{Commons category}}

• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGnfWAAPxNQ Doppler weather radar reflectivities and velocities loops of the June 1 tornado outbreak]
• [http://www.stormtimemachine.com/20110601.html Time-lapse visualization of the June 1 tornado outbreak]
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=shared&v=tj5uvC9cLO4 Raw Video: Tornado Strikes Springfield, Mass. - Associated Press (YouTube)]
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNCtQjbKPVA Union Car Wash Tornado Close Up - WWLP 22 News (YouTube)]

{{2011 tornado outbreaks}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:2011-06-01 Massachusetts Tornado Outbreak}}

06-01

Category:F3, EF3 and IF3 tornadoes

Category:Tornadoes in Massachusetts

Category:Tornadoes in Maine

Tornado,2011-06-01,Massachusetts

Category:21st century in Springfield, Massachusetts

Massachusetts Tornado Outbreak