Revere tornado
© David L. Ryan/The Boston GlobeStorm damage in Revere, Mass. on July 28, 2014
Extreme weather rolled into the North of Boston region on Monday morning, spawning a tornado that ripped off roofs, uprooted trees, and shattered windows in the coastal community. Officials estimate 100-150 structures have been damaged, including 65 buildings that received substantial damage as well 13 that are uninhabitable. The damage was limited largely to residential roofs and windows on seven or eight streets, with no reported serious injuries.

"It's a work in progress, but I'm very confident that with the help of everyone involved... we're gonna get through this just fine," Mayor Rizzo said at a press conference late Monday afternoon.

The National Weather Service confirms the tornado had a path length of two mile and width of 3/8 of a mile with most winds on the EF-1 scale, however, EF-2 damage was reported in the vicinity of Revere Beach Parkway and the tornado will be classified as such. Maximum wind gusts were estimated between 100 and 120mph.


"It's really a miracle that no one sustained more serious injuries," said Revere Mayor Dan Rizzo. "This clearly was an unexpected incident that took all of us by surprise."

"As Revere recovers from today's tornado, I am working closely with city officials to ensure the state is doing all it can to provide the resources and manpower Revere needs to recover," Speaker of the House Rep. Bob DeLeo said in a statement. DeLeo represents a portion of the community on Beacon Hill.


"We have already witnessed an impressive display of cooperation and coordination and I thank Governor Patrick, Senator Petruccelli, Representative Vincent, our congressional delegation, MEMA and the neighboring municipalities that responded so quickly."

The tornado touched down at 9:32AM, and moved across the Chelsea River from the Paul Cronin Memorial Skating Rink where portions of its roof were blown onto Revere Beach Parkway. As it continued up Broadway, it affected businesses, homes, and city buildings along the busy commericial corridor.

City Hall windows were blown out and there is reported damage to the roof. More than a hundred homes have damage to windows, roofs, siding, and fencing. Police have also reported that a car overturned to the west of Broadway at the intersection of Malden and Carlson Avenue. The damage continued north towards the rotary at Route 60 and Route 107 where a billboard collapsed onto several cars.

Route 1A at Bell Circle was shut down for a period as well as Revere Street from Broadway to American Legion Highway. Officials are continuing to urge residents to remain off the roads, and travelers should avoid the city until further notice.

"This was the first tornado on record not only in Suffolk County but in Revere," said City Councilor and lifelong resident Ira Noveletsky. "The City and all agencies who responded did so in an extraordinary effort. We are cleaning up and we will prevail."

The tornado is the first in Suffolk County, which includes the City of Boston, since the agency began keeping records in 1950. A shelter has been set up at the Rumney Marsh Academy located at 140 American Legion Highway for residents who cannot return to their homes.

"This is definitely not the type of weather event you expect to happen in Revere," said resident Rick Freni who lives only a few blocks away and was surveying damage on Monday. "It's a shame to see all those people and businesses that have severe damage to their home, but Mayor Rizzo and the City of Revere is doing a great job getting things cleaned up."

The City of Revere commenced clean up efforts immediately, and operational priorities continue with repairing downed lines, removing trees from roadways, and assessing building damage and safety across the city.