Widespread damage reported after tornado touchdown in Holden, Massachusetts

A damaging tornado touched down in Holden, Massachusetts on Saturday, September 6. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the tornado was confirmed by a radar at around 16:07 local time (LT), and remained on the ground for a short period before lifting off.

The tornado formed within a severe thunderstorm moving across central Massachusetts and tacked east at 64 km/h (40 mph). Hail of up to 76 mm (3 inches) was also reported in the region as the severe storm passed through the region.

The NWS issued a tornado warning for Worcester and Middlesex counties at 16:00 EDT, which remained in effect until 16:45 LT. Radar imagery showed strong rotation and a debris signature at the time of touchdown. Severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for multiple counties through Saturday evening.

While no one was injured, the tornado and the storm left behind widespread tree damage and power outages in and around Holden.

“I’ve been here 50 years, right in that house 50 years, and I’ve never seen anything like this,” Paxton resident Dottie Reid said. “I looked in my backyard and I have all trees down in my backyard also.”

Phyllis Lorrain’s property in Holden is littered with branches. She said that as she fled to the basement of her home, she saw branches falling right in front of her window.

Local authorities continue to work on clearing the debris from the street, restore power in the affected region.

References:

¹ Severe Weather Statement – NWS Boston/Norton – issued at 16:08 EDT on September 6, 2025

Rishav Kothari

Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.

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