STONEHAM, MASS. (WHDH) – Storms that moved through parts of Massachusetts Friday afternoon prompted severe thunderstorm warnings and left some damage in their wake, according to reports.
The National Weather Service’s Boston office issued its first severe thunderstorm warning of the day for the region near 1:30 p.m. Stretching as far north as Gloucester, as far south as Scituate and as far west as Milford. The warning remained in effect until 2:15 p.m.
By 2 p.m., there were reports of downed powerlines and trees in communities including Arlington, Medford, Revere and Cambridge.
In Revere, a photo shared with 7NEWS showed a snapped tree laying across power lines near the corner of Marble Street and Washington Avenue. Another photo showed emergency crews on scene after a utility pole snapped in half in the same area.
In Arlington, town officials in a statement said multiple roads were closed due to downed trees and powerlines. Officials said crews would work to clear trees and damaged limbs into the evening and continue efforts on Saturday, if necessary.
“Please exercise caution as you go out and thanks for your patience as we clean up,” the town said in a post on X.
Within Boston, damage included toppled signage and construction fencing near the Government Center Garage.
Pea-sized hail was reported in communities including Somerville and Melrose.
Also in Somerville, whipping winds brought down a massive tree onto a home, with large limbs snapping from the trunk of the tree.
In Stoneham, a lightning strike sparked a fire in the backyard of a home on Fellsview Road. The Stoneham Fire Department shared photos of the emergency response and said crews were able to keep the fire from extending to the house.
“All the sudden I hear this boom, huge loud thunder. And I saw the bolt of lightning right behind our fence in the backyard and then all the sudden, I see flames,” said Gail Kelley, who lives nearby.
The fire emitted plumes of thick smoke, according…