Birthplace of Basketball and Local Towns in Mass Ripped by Tornadoes

The city of Springfield Massachusetts, the birthplace of basketball, was devastated by a series of powerful tornadoes that ripped across the Connecticut River then tore through downtown Springfield, then West Springfield and neighboring towns in Western and Central Massachusetts between 4:30pm and 6:30pm Wednesday afternoon.

Destruction in Western Massachusetts

Reports from the staff of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame were that no damage was inflicted on the museum itself, but just blocks away the downtown area buildings were torn apart and debris was tossed as the storm formed quickly then twisted its way through the towns of Ludlow, Palmer, Munson and Sturbridge, Mass.  Seven communities are reporting devastating damage from the tornado strike.

The Central and Western Massachusetts chapter of the American Red Cross is working from their headquarters in Springfield and utilizing the Mass Mutual Center, the home of the NBA D-League's Springfield Armor basketball team and Springfield Falcons minor league hockey team.  The chapter's Facebook page is asking area residents to be patient early today as authorities survey the damage and downed trees and power lines.  Click here for info.

Deval Patrick, the governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has declared a state of emergency and the national guard was activated to assist in securing the areas devastated by the storm.  As of 5:00am, four deaths have been reported and search crews are going door-to-door to reach other possible victims.

To donate money to help the relief efforts, click here.