NWS: Tornado touches down just south of North Brookfield

NORTH BROOKFIELD, Mass — A tornado that formed just south of North Brookfield Sunday caused minimal damage before dissipating, the National Weather Service said.

The tornado touched down 2 miles south southeast of North Brookfield just before 11:00 a.m. The twister caused no injuries or damage to homes in the area, only harming some trees, according to NWS Boston.

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Although no one reported seeing the actual funnel, several witnesses reported the high wings emitting from the tornado, including the North Brookfield Fire Chief, who spotted “debris lofted in the air,” the NWS says. Another witness reported seeing “chaotic swirling.”

North Brookfield resident Tony Chronchio told Boston 25 News this tornado wasn’t one to inspire a Twister sequel.

“Just a lot of gusty wind for maybe about 15-20 minutes, that was it. I had a few pine tree limbs come down in my driveway,” said Chronchio. “Nothing really major. Nothing I couldn’t move around.”

The twister’s gusts are estimated to have topped out at 80 miles per hour and spanned 250 yards, as it carved a path northeast for around two miles before disappearing near the North Brookfield Waste Water Center.

The NWS says it was only on the ground for around 3 minutes.

Most of the damaged trees were along Ryan Road, just north of the Ward Street intersection, according to NWS.

We can confirm an EF-0 tornado in North Brookfield MA. 2 mile path length. Only damage to trees in the area. Occurred just before 11am. pic.twitter.com/0G5Wz5athM
— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) July 16, 2023