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A Series of Isolated Thunderstorm Events This Summer Has SouthCoast In Its Sights

By MLBaron / westislandweather.com

What appears to be a summer pattern of strong thunderstorms, another surprise thunderstorm impacted the Greater New Bedford area this weekend which was recovering from a stifling heat wave. Beach goers at several local beaches were caught off guard as the storm moved in quickly early Saturday afternoon.

The darkening skies didn’t intimidate many until vivid lightning and thunder suddenly overtook the area. Bathers scrambled with their beach blankets and umbrellas to the safety of their cars.

Although the storm passed in less than 45 minutes, numerous trees were downed including a few confirmed lightning strikes. Brockton, Plymouth, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket reported trees down from lightning and/or wind. One strike apparently set a house ablaze in Tiverton. One of the last utility poles at the end of Wilbur’s Point in Fairhaven was struck and the top half was blown off.

As the storm cell exited off South Dartmouth and into Buzzards Bay, The National Weather Service issued severe thunderstorm marine warnings and to The Elizabeth Islands, Cuttyhunk and Martha’s Vineyard. (above photo) The West Island Weather Station AXIS weather cam captured the impressive wall of heavy showers off shore and what appeared to be the early stages of a funnel cloud formation. This is the sixth significant thunderstorm to southeastern MA with damage reports since the Tornado outbreak in Springfield, MA on June 1. Other storms impacting the region include June 9, July 8, July 12, July 13 and this weekend on Saturday July 23. “Although thunderstorms are common during the dog days of summer, the destructive intensity of these isolated storms concentrated in the local area is rather unusual.” stated MLBaron of westislandweather.com The West Island Weather Station recorded .10 of rain with a wind gust of 22 MPH out of the ESE as the storm skimmed by the island by about 1 mile to the west. The sun returned just after 2 PM for the remainder of the day.

For more on storm damage reports from The National Weather Service enter this link: http://www.westislandweather.com/Data/latest.nwus51.KBOX%20JUL%2023%202011.pdf

For more storm photos visit: http://www.westislandweather.com/apps/photos/album?albumid=11964490

For storm video from the West Island Causeway visit: http://www.westislandweather.com/apps/videos/