"Nobody Expected Us to Have a Tornado in Springfield, Massachusetts," a Look Back at Devastation 14 Years Later

"Nobody expected us to have a tornado in Springfield, Massachusetts," a look back at devastation 14 years later

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - It's been 14 years since one of the most destructive days in western Massachusetts. "I watched the tornado come across my back porch and go to Island Pond Road. It took my plants and blew them inside my house," said John Balsam of Springfield. Homes were completely destroyed, the roofs of schools were torn off, and few trees were left standing in some parts of the woods. An EF-3 tornado caused severe damage across wes…

After tornado, family tries to save its home and legacy on historic St. Louis street

The Shelley House played a role in paving the way for minority homeownership. After the tornado, residents on the street try to save their family histories.

Franklin County officials help with operations after St. Louis tornado

While Franklin County Emergency Management Director Abe Cook has had plenty to deal with in the wake of March tornadoes in his own county, he took time recently to assist with the recovery from a May 16 EF3 tornado in…