Tornadoes ravage Western Mass., kill 4

SPRINGFIELD, Mass., (WPRI) - A line of storms that had Rhode Island under a tornado watch most of Wednesday night turned deadly in Western Massachusetts - spawning tornadoes and killing at least four people.

The National Weather Service cancelled the watches and warnings - but by then the damage had been done.

Despite being under a tornado watch most of Wednesday night, and a tornado warning for several hours, Rhode Island was virtually unscathed by the storm. According to Eyewitness News Chief Meteorologist Tony Petrarca, there were no reports of damage in the state.

However, it was a different picture in Massachusetts. Gov. Deval Patrick declared a state of emergency, calling upon 1,000 National Guard troops after multiple tornadoes ripped through Western Massachusetts. One of the tornadoes caused heavy damage in Springfield's Downtown and South End neighborhoods.

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At least four people died in the aftermath of the tornado that moved from West Springfield, crossing the Connecticut River and Interstate 91, into the city.

West Springfield Police Captain O'Brien told 22News that one of the victims was travelling in his car down Main Street in West Springfield, when a tree fell on top of it during the storm, killing him. There are at least 33 other reports of injuries.

The State Police Special Emergency Response Team has been called in to the Springfield area to search damaged buildings for anyone who may be trapped.

In the meantime, travel in Springfield is limited due to downed trees and power lines. As of late Wednesday night, thousands of people were still without power.