Springfield, Mass. storm damage may have been caused by microburst, mayor says

National Weather Service crews may be dispatched to western Massachusetts to determine if Springfield was hit by a microburst during severe weather that left widespread damage throughout the city on Saturday.

A state of emergency was declared in Springfield after damaging storms ripped across the area.

Strong winds took down dozens of trees, smashing parked cars and blocking roadways.

No injuries were reported, but about 5,000 customers lost power. Eversource crews from Connecticut were called to the area to help get power back on.

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarna said his own home was damaged in the storm.

"I have seen houses where trees have gone right through," Sarna said, adding, "we'll get through this."

Sarna said he believes there was a microburst that caused damage in the city, but said he is waiting for NWS to confirm.

About 45 people have been displaced by the storm.

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey called the mayor, declaring the state of emergency and offering help.

The severe weather may also be responsible for a partial building collapse on Dwight Street Extension in Springfield.

A man who lives next door to the building described what he saw.

"See hail come down. I said 'That's odd.' Then the winds started blowing," Jesse Lee said. "We see branches start falling across the street and then the next thing I knew, I go let's look out the window. So we lifted up the screen and looked out. We looked to our right. That's when we saw debris on the ground. It hit my car and then we went outside and then we saw the building."

No one was hurt in the collapse, but several vehicles parked nearby were damaged.