Today marks the 10-year anniversary of one of the worst natural disasters in western Massachusetts history.
Late in the afternoon of June 1st, 2011, a tornado with winds estimated at 160 miles an hour devastated a third of the city of Springfield. 500 buildings were destroyed.
The tornado stayed on the ground for over an hour and traveled 39 miles from Westfield to Charlton. There were 3 deaths. 200 people injured. Damage was estimated at $140 million.
WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill spoke with Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno who recalled the day ten years ago and reflected on how the city has recovered in the decade since.
