<p>Governor Deval Patrick said the two tornadoes and heavy rains yesterday caused severe damage in at least 19 communities, mostly in Central and Western Massachusetts.<br />He declared a state of emergency "in response to the impacts of the tornadic activity and severe weather" and mobilised up to 1,000 members of the National Guard to help in search, rescue and clean-up operations.<br /><br />Two of the hardest-hit communities were Springfield and the town of Monson, he said.<br />The Massachusetts tornadoes come days after violent storms struck the Missouri town of Joplin, killing 134 people.<br /><br />State Police said 33 people were injured in the city of Springfield and about 48,000 households were out of power.<br /><br />Patrick said schools would be closed in affected areas to clear the way for recovery efforts.<br />Several buildings, including Springfield's courthouse, have been damaged and local roads blocked by fallen trees, power lines and other debris.<br /><br />Significant damage has been reported in the state's Agawam, Charlton, Monson, Oxford, Palmer, West Springfield, Wilbraham and Sturbridge areas.<br /><br />State authorities have undertaken rescue efforts like offering blankets, food and water</p>
<p>Governor Deval Patrick said the two tornadoes and heavy rains yesterday caused severe damage in at least 19 communities, mostly in Central and Western Massachusetts.<br />He declared a state of emergency "in response to the impacts of the tornadic activity and severe weather" and mobilised up to 1,000 members of the National Guard to help in search, rescue and clean-up operations.<br /><br />Two of the hardest-hit communities were Springfield and the town of Monson, he said.<br />The Massachusetts tornadoes come days after violent storms struck the Missouri town of Joplin, killing 134 people.<br /><br />State Police said 33 people were injured in the city of Springfield and about 48,000 households were out of power.<br /><br />Patrick said schools would be closed in affected areas to clear the way for recovery efforts.<br />Several buildings, including Springfield's courthouse, have been damaged and local roads blocked by fallen trees, power lines and other debris.<br /><br />Significant damage has been reported in the state's Agawam, Charlton, Monson, Oxford, Palmer, West Springfield, Wilbraham and Sturbridge areas.<br /><br />State authorities have undertaken rescue efforts like offering blankets, food and water</p>