Jul 8, 2009 9:40 pm US/Eastern
MetroWest Towns Hit Hard By Severe Storms
Storm Brings Large Hail, Heavy Rain
HOPKINTON (WBZ) ―
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The storm brought down trees and powerlines in Hopkinton.
WBZ
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Downed tree from storm in Hopkinton.
C. Johnson/WBZ
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Hail in Hopkinton Wednesday afternoon.
WBZ
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Torrential downpours flooded streets in Westborough as a severe thunderstorm moved through. This photo was taken at 3:15 p.m.
V. Barnes/WBZ
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The storm brought pounding hail to Hopkinton where a tornado warning was issued for a time.
C. Altamura/WBZ
A severe thunderstorm prompted a tornado warning for several metrowest towns, including Hopkinton, Westboro, Grafton, and Upton Wednesday afternoon.
The warning expired at 3:45 p.m. The National Weather Service said while the storm's potential to produce a tornado weakened, it continued to pack a punch, producing heavy rain as it moves through the state. Holliston appears to have been hit the hardest by the storm, which was directly over the town between 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. It left behind wind damage and street flooding.
The severe storm moved through Taunton aroung 4:45 p.m., bringing heavy hail and torrential rain. The storm continued to move to the south and off shore later in the evening.
A
Severe Thunderstorm Warning was issued for central and eastern Massachusetts for much of the afternoon and early evening.
While there was no confirmation of a tornado, the storm had the potential to produce a tornado that could touch the ground. Weather watchers spotted strong rotation at the base of the storm just after 3 p.m.
What to do in a tornado
HOPKINTON TAKES BRUNT OF STORM
Hail in and around Hopkinton was reported to be an inch and half in diameter. Rob Macedo with SkyWarn said hail was golfball-size and there were estimated
hurricane force winds in Hopkinton.
Resident Steve McCarthy called the storm intense. He said dark storm clouds opened up, bringing downpours and strong winds.
The intense storm cell brought torrential rains with the potential to flood roadways. Drivers were urged to avoid roads with flooding water. It takes only one foot of water to float a car.
Wind damage and flooding have been reported in Holliston and Hopkinton.
There were reports of trees being snapped by strong winds along Route 495 around the area of Exit 22.
In Millis, police say they are getting reports of downed power lines.
MAN HIT BY LIGHTNING IN MILFORD
There were also reports of lightning and damaging winds with the storm system.
Police say a man was struck by lightning in Milford. They say it was not a direct hit, and he is expected to be OK.
Protect yourself against lighting
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