A deep low pressure system over southern Canada, combined with high pressure off the southeast coast, brought high winds to parts of Massachusetts.  Southwest winds gusted as high as 69 mph at the Blue Hill Observatory in Milton.   Wind gusts estimated between 55 and 65 mph  brought down trees and power lines throughout portions of the Bay State.  Most of the damage was confined to the higher terrain of central and northern Massachusetts, but damage was also reported in Greater Boston and on portions of the east coast.  In Middlesex County, the roof of an elementary school was damaged in  Woburn.  Gusty southwest winds also combined with the recent dry weather to help brush fires spread rapidly - many of which were ignited by downed power lines.  Over 5,000 customers lost power throughout the state, most notably in Worcester County.

High Wind in NORTHERN WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS
From 08-APR-00 11:00:00 to 08-APR-00 17:00:00 (EST)
Magnitude: 50 E
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

High Wind in EASTERN HAMPDEN, MASSACHUSETTS
From 08-APR-00 11:00:00 to 08-APR-00 17:00:00 (EST)
Magnitude: 50 E
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

High Wind in EASTERN NORFOLK, MASSACHUSETTS
From 08-APR-00 11:00:00 to 08-APR-00 17:00:00 (EST)
Magnitude: 60 M
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

High Wind in EASTERN PLYMOUTH / ALSO PART OF NORFOLK, MASSACHUSETTS
From 08-APR-00 11:00:00 to 08-APR-00 17:00:00 (EST)
Magnitude: 50 E
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

High Wind in SOUTHEAST MIDDLESEX, MASSACHUSETTS
From 08-APR-00 11:00:00 to 08-APR-00 17:00:00 (EST)
Magnitude: 55 E
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

High Wind in WESTERN MIDDLESEX, MASSACHUSETTS
From 08-APR-00 11:00:00 to 08-APR-00 17:00:00 (EST)
Magnitude: 50 E
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

Strong Wind in WESTERN ESSEX, MASSACHUSETTS
From 08-APR-00 11:00:00 to 08-APR-00 17:00:00 (EST)
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

High Wind in SOUTHERN WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS
From 08-APR-00 11:00:00 to 08-APR-00 17:00:00 (EST)
Magnitude: 50 E
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

High Wind in SUFFOLK / ALSO PART OF NORFOLK, MASSACHUSETTS
From 08-APR-00 11:00:00 to 08-APR-00 17:00:00 (EST)
Magnitude: 50 E
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

Strong Wind in NANTUCKET, MASSACHUSETTS
From 08-APR-00 11:00:00 to 08-APR-00 17:00:00 (EST)
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

Strong Wind in SOUTHERN BRISTOL, MASSACHUSETTS
From 08-APR-00 11:00:00 to 08-APR-00 17:00:00 (EST)
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

Strong Wind in DUKES, MASSACHUSETTS
From 08-APR-00 11:00:00 to 08-APR-00 17:00:00 (EST)
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

Strong Wind in EASTERN ESSEX, MASSACHUSETTS
From 08-APR-00 11:00:00 to 08-APR-00 17:00:00 (EST)
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

Strong Wind in WESTERN NORFOLK, MASSACHUSETTS
From 08-APR-00 11:00:00 to 08-APR-00 17:00:00 (EST)
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

Strong Wind in BARNSTABLE, MASSACHUSETTS
From 08-APR-00 11:00:00 to 08-APR-00 17:00:00 (EST)
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

Strong Wind in SOUTHERN PLYMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS
From 08-APR-00 11:00:00 to 08-APR-00 17:00:00 (EST)
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

High Wind in WESTERN HAMPSHIRE, MASSACHUSETTS
From 08-APR-00 11:00:00 to 08-APR-00 17:00:00 (EST)
Magnitude: 50 E
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

Strong Wind in EASTERN HAMPSHIRE, MASSACHUSETTS
From 08-APR-00 11:00:00 to 08-APR-00 17:00:00 (EST)
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER