MOTHER NATURE

Rare Tornado Pummels Cape Cod, Leaves ‘Extensive Damage’

In a state usually untouched in tornado season, the twister touched down in a least two areas with winds of up to 110 mph.

Tens of thousands of people are without power after a rare tornado battered Cape Cod, touching down Tuesday in at least two areas with winds as high as 110 mph. The National Weather Service confirmed the twister late Tuesday, giving it a preliminary “high-end EF1” rating. There were no immediate reports of injuries or deaths, but residents were urged to stay indoors to avoid risks posed by downed trees and power lines. More than 50,000 residents were without power, according to local energy company Eversource. The tornado hit South Yarmouth and Harwich, where “most major roads” were completely shut down and police warned of “extensive damage.” “It is a miracle that there was no significant personal injury,” Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito told reporters. According to the latest data available from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, while more than 1,250 tornadoes strike the U.S. each year, Massachusetts sees only one on average.