WEBSTER, MASS. (WHDH) - WEBSTER, MASS. (WHDH) – The town of Webster is cleaning up after a tornado left several buildings damaged and residents without power after a powerful storm moved through the area.
Fire and utility crews were working to clean up the area along Main Street after intense wind and driving rain moved pummeled the town.
Webster Fire Chief Brian Hickey said the storm left one person with a minor injury and four buildings with structural damage. That injured person has since been treated and released.
Two of the buildings that were damaged are in the process of being torn down.
2nd building being knocked down in Webster @7News #7News pic.twitter.com/lpCNhCdabx
— Michael Yoshida (@YoshidaCNN) August 4, 2018
The storm reached a peak just before 10 a.m.
7News chief meteorologist Jeremy Reiner says conditions at that time were favorable for a tornado. It was later confirmed by the National Weather Service.
Images and video sent to 7News by viewers show intense wind and rain and widespread damage.
Thousands were without power in the immediate aftermath of the storm.
One woman was working at a dance studio on Main Street and spoke to 7News about the scene.
“All of a sudden we heard a huge explosion,” she said, “We heard our windows pop in the front of our studio and all the lights went out, and immediately we just grabbed our purses and cellphones and we ran into the basement.”
Town officials say some 45 people have been displaced as a result of the storm.
“We’re going to visit the shelter where (people are staying), the Red Cross will assist them in the immediate days ahead,” Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito said. “These are many instances of women and children and families that need Red Cross assistance and emergency services. From the state perspective, we want to make sure they are getting all the support they need.”
This morning's tornado has caused significant damage in Webster and Dudley, displacing both residents and businesses. @MassEMA is coordinating the response with local officials, utilities and the @RedCrossMA. Thank you to first responders and others for your quick response.
— Charlie Baker (@MAGovArchive) August 4, 2018
This is a developing story; stay with 7News on air and online for the latest information as it becomes available.
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