Two Tornadoes Confirmed in the Berkshires…Tropical Storm Isaias Heading for the Berkshires Tomorrow

As the Emergency Alert System warring of a possible tornadoes developing was activated on radio, TV, and mobile devices across the area yesterday, the warring turned into reality.  The Nation Weather Service has confirmed that a tornado touched down in the Berkshires according to an article posted to masslive.com.

The tornado hit the South Main Street in the small town of Sandisfield just before 7 pm last night.  According to The Boston Globe a tornado in Blandford was also confirmed by radar according to a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. Sunday afternoon alerts were issued for Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire counties.

Other Berkshire cities and towns were escaped the tornado but heavy downpours and thunder storms engulfed the area.  No injuries were reported but there were reports of downed trees and some broken windows.

The storm has passed but the residents of the Berkshires need to ready themselves for another major storm later tomorrow that could be classified as a tropical storm or even worse, a hurricane.

Wind speeds of a tropical storm will range between 39 and 72 mph consistently for at least a one minute.  A hurricane will deliver winds in excess of 74 mph for one minute or more.

A Tropical Storm Warning is now in effect.  This warning coming from the National Weather Service…    Equivalent Tropical Storm force wind

- Peak Wind Forecast: 30-40 mph with gusts to 50 mph

- Window for Tropical Storm force winds: Tuesday afternoon

until early Wednesday morning

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST

UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 58

to 73 mph

The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the

previous assessment.

- PLAN: Plan for dangerous wind of equivalent strong tropical

storm force.

- PREPARE: Remaining efforts to protect life and property

should be completed as soon as possible. Prepare for

significant wind damage.

- ACT: Move to safe shelter before the wind becomes hazardous.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant

- Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with

damage to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few

buildings experiencing window, door, and garage door

failures. Mobile homes damaged, especially if unanchored.

Unsecured lightweight objects become dangerous projectiles.

- Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater

numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several

fences and roadway signs blown over.

- Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within

urban or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways,

and access routes impassable.

- Scattered power and communications outages, but more

prevalent in areas with above ground lines.

* FLOODING RAIN

- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flash Flood Watch is in effect

- Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 2-4 inches, with locally

up to 6 inches.

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST

UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for

moderate flooding rain

- The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from

the previous assessment.

- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for

moderate flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues

are possible.

- PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area

vulnerable to flooding.

- ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take

action may result in serious injury or loss of life.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant

- Moderate flooding may prompt several evacuations and

rescues.

- Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with

swift currents and overflow their banks in a few places,

especially in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams,

creeks, canals and ditches overflow.

- Flood waters may enter some structures or weaken

foundations. Several places may experience rapid inundation

of underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas.

Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as storm

drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions

become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures.

A Flash Flood Watch in effect from 8:00 am tomorrow morning (Tuesday) until 8:00 am Wednesday.