SPRINGFIELD (CBS/AP) — Several tornadoes touched down in Massachusetts Wednesday afternoon, killing at least four people and damaging property across more than a dozen communities.

Tornadoes were confirmed in Westfield, Springfield, West Springfield, Wilbraham, Sturbridge, Monson, Oxford, Charlton, Agawam, Brimfield, and Douglas. Damage from the storms was reported in 19 communities.

By Wednesday evening, at least four people were confirmed dead, along with dozens of injuries.  Governor Patrick has declared a State of Emergency.

Speaking at MEMA headquarters after 9 p.m., Gov. Patrick said the National Guard would be fully deployed by Thursday morning, with 1,000 guardsmen on duty. He reported extensive damage in Hampden County, including more than 48,000 customers without power.

Yes, it's true.  Massachusetts does receive flood waters from time to time.  Watch this video to witness this account.

The Top Ten Reasons to Buy Flood Insurance Now:

1. Spring flooding is almost here and there is a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins.
2. Coverage is relatively inexpensive with an annual average premium of about $350 in MA.
3. If your community participates in the NFIP, you are eligible to get flood insurance even if you are located outside the 100-year flood plain.
4. You can receive payments for flood-related losses for over-land flooding – even if no disaster was declared.
5. You can depend on being reimbursed for flood damages because NFIP flood insurance is backed by the federal government.
6. You do not have to repay flood insurance benefits (as you do with disaster-related assistance loans).
7. Renters can purchase flood insurance contents coverage for personal belongings or business inventory.
8. Basement coverage includes cleanup expense and repair or replacement of items such as furnaces, water heaters, washers, dryers, air conditioners, freezers, utility connections, and pumps.
9. You can request a partial payment immediately after the flood, which can help you recover even faster.
10. Buying flood insurance is the best thing you can do to protect your home and business, and your family's financial security from a flood.

http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=47475

Federal Emergency Management Agency
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
500 C Street SW, Washington, D.C. 20472
(202) 646-2500

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