Mass. Gov. Patrick declares state of emergency, says 2 tornadoes hit Springfield, other towns

State of emergency declared after Mass. tornadoes

By STEPHEN SINGER | Associated Press

Massachusetts Gov. Deval (deh-VAL') Patrick has declared a state of emergency and has called up 1,000 National Guard troops following what he said were two damaging tornadoes that swept through the state.

Patrick took the action after heavy damage was reported Wednesday in several communities, including many in Western Massachusetts. Patrick met with officials from the state police, state fire marshal's office, National Guard and other emergency and public safety agencies.

Patrick says there are reports of one fatality in West Springfield but state officials can't immediately confirm that.

U.S. Rep. Richard Neal's district includes Springfield. He says he's spoken with officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He says inspectors from the agency will be reviewing storm damage Thursday.

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