Residents talk about severe storms

SUNDERLAND, Mass. (WWLP) - Tornado talk consumed the Franklin County town of Sunderland Sunday, leaving people wondering if Saturday’s severe thunderstorm was something more.

Whatever it was, the storm left a lasting impression on the landscape and those living here.

“Definitely it was something horrific that affected our community,” said Kathy Belanger of Deerfield.

The strong cell packed winds which toppled trees and downed wires, but most impressively rocked a tobacco barn off its foundation and into the road.

Amazingly, the one standing a few feet away, was virtually untouched. “I feel bad for them our barn doesn't have a shingle missing and a little damage to the doors,” said Gary Penza owner of a neighboring barn.

Tobacco farmer Carl Christian downplayed its impact on this season's cash crop.“We're just going to go back to work you know,” said Carl Christian.

The strong storm not only hit a barn on Route 47 it also struck a farm on Russell Road slamming silos and leaving twisted metal in its wake.

Other Franklin County hilltowns hit, but not as hard as Sunderland, which is still feeling the effects of last summer's storm and costly cleanup thereafter.

While this storm damage won’t prove as expensive, it won't be forgotten anytime soon.