Thunderstorm Wind — Berkshire, Massachusetts

2024-07-16 · near Cheshire, Berkshire, Massachusetts

Event narrative

Local law enforcement reported several trees down in the town of Cheshire.

Wider weather episode

During the afternoon hours of July 16, 2024, a strong upper level disturbance developed an organized line of thunderstorms which tracked south and east into Berkshire County by the early evening. Widespread severe weather occurred along this line, primarily in northern and central Berkshire County where extensive wind damage was reported. The greatest wind gust recorded within the county was measured by the ASOS at the Harriman and West Airport with a speed of 66 mph. Additionally, a discrete severe thunderstorm that developed ahead of the main line, generated hail that reached one inch in diameter in the town of Lenox.

Tens of thousands of customers lost power from this event including the Towns of North Adams, Williamstown, Clarksburg, Cheshire, Dalton, Pittsfield, Lanesborough, Windsor, and Savoy. Some of these power outages lasted for multiple days.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (42.5589, -73.1602)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1205786. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.