Search and rescue efforts were under way early Thursday after tornadoes cut a path of destruction through western Massachusetts, killing at least four people and destroying a number of homes and buildings, state officials and witnesses reported.

Officials were investigating reports that up to four tornadoes touched down Wednesday in and around Springfield, the third-largest city in Massachusetts.



At least one person was killed in Springfield, two in nearby Westfield and one in Brimfield, about 20 miles east, Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick told reporters Wednesday night.

Fire and police crews were going house-to-house, building-to-building looking for victims and survivors, said Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno.

One thousand National Guard soldiers have been ordered to Springfield to assist in search efforts, Patrick said.

As many as 19 communities reported tornado damage by Wednesday night, Patrick said. The governor declared a state of emergency as the storm system that spawned those twisters moved east, with watches posted all the way to the Atlantic coast until late Wednesday.

"It's been particularly devastating in downtown Springfield," Patrick said.

Just outside Springfield in the community of Monson, resident Dolly Opper said state police were setting up roadblocks around the town, and a neighbor described the town's center as "war zone."

"I haven't been home," she said. "The steeple's off the church across the street. It's lying right in the front yard."

Springfield, Monson, Westfield and seven other towns -- Agawam, Charlton, Oxford, Palmer, Sturbridge, West Springfield and Wilbraham -- reported severe damage, said Massachusetts State Police Sgt. Michael Popovics.

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