On June 1st, 2011 the greater Springfield, Massachusetts area played host to a memorable weather event. Throughout the day a cold front moved in from Canada and began to mix with a strong upper-level jet stream. This caused and extreme amount of instability in the area and brought a significant wind shear. By 1pm a tornado watch had been issued for much of New England. At 3:28 p.m. the watch had been upgraded to a warning in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin Counties of Western Massachusetts.
The first tornado had reportedly touched down at approximately 4:44pm in the City of Westfield and grew in intensity as it proceeded through the City’s of West Springfield and Springfield. Winds reached an estimated 160mph and was on the ground for 1 hour and 10 minutes along a 39-mile long path.
When the storm was over there were 3 fatalities and a total of 43 reported major injuries. The storm damaged a total of 1190 buildings. Within minutes of the initial 911 calls, the ICS system was put into effect. Governor Deval Patrick declared a state of emergency in Massachusetts and 1000 National Guard troops where placed into operation. [12]