latest round of twisters didn't strike in Tornado Alley, however; they struck in the Northeastern state of Massachusetts, causing destruction, injuries, and the deaths of at least four people.
Residents were stunned by the ferocity and damage caused by the storms, but most are just thankful to have survived the freakish weather.
Nearly 50,000 people are without power in Springfield, the largest city in western Massachusetts.
Boston.com reports that although unlikely, tornadoes are not unheard of in New England -- the downtown of Connecticut's largest city was devastated by one last June -- so many people heeded warnings to seek shelter before the twisters touched down.
According to ENN, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick announced a State of Emergency, and said the National Guard would be fully deployed by today, with 1,000 guardsmen on duty. The governor also stated that shelters would be set up once the state has a better understanding of how many people have been displaced from their homes. Schools in the 19 affected communities were shut down until officials can determine that it's safe.
Much like the situation in Joplin, MO, the federal government is stepping in to help the situation. Senator John Kerry, calling the rare twisters a "once in 100 years" event, announced that FEMA was being deployed to the affected area (ENN.com).
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