Four people were killed on Wednesday when at least two tornadoes ripped through western and central parts of Massachusetts, the state's governor said.
A local broadcaster captured the moment one of the twisters wreaked havoc onto the city of Springfield, picking up debris as it gained pace and momentum.
Governor Deval Patrick said two people had died in Westfield, one in West Springfield, and one in Brimfield in the central part of the state. He had no details about those killed.
The storms have also caused a number of injuries and extensive damage.
Patrick declared a state of emergency and called up 1,000 National Guard troops.
The storm hit as workers were beginning to leave for the evening commute home.
Witnesses described the force of the tornado hitting their areas instantly breaking windows, blowing off roofs and trees to the ground.
Since 1950, Massachusetts has been forced to deal with a couple of tornadoes on average every year.
The last deadly tornado in the state occurred on May 29, 1995, when three people were killed.
