A cold front moved across southern New England into a warm moist airmass with plenty of instability.  This resulted in severe thunderstorms and in some cases training of storms that resulted in flash flooding across some of the more urban areas.  A microburst occurred in Arlington, knocking down numerous trees and damaging a roof.  Also, several railroad crossings along the Greenbush and Old Colony commuter rail lines in Massachusetts lost power due to lightning.  This delayed both lines by 20 to 25 minutes as trains slowed down and had crews walking along the train as it crossed the roads at those crossings.

Thunderstorm Wind in MIDDLESEX, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 17:00:00 to 18-JUL-12 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: ARLINGTON
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 350.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A microburst occurred in Arlington, downing numerous trees.  Most of these trees were downed in an approximately 1 square mile section of eastern Arlington, between the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Broadway and Route 16 around the Cambridge/Arlington line.  Numerous houses and vehicles were damaged by downed trees.  Traffic signals and street lights were also damaged or downed by falling trees/wind.

Thunderstorm Wind in MIDDLESEX, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 12:30:00 to 18-JUL-12 12:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: WEST VLG
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Ten trees were downed in North Reading on Francis Street and Pomeroy Road.

Lightning in SUFFOLK, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 14:30:00 to 18-JUL-12 14:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: DORCHESTER
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Lightning struck a three story house on Milton Avenue, setting fire to the attic.  There were no injuries, but several people were displaced.

Hail in BRISTOL, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 15:30:00 to 18-JUL-12 16:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: DIGHTON
Magnitude: 2.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SHAVE Project

Quarter to lime size hail fell in Dighton.

Lightning in BARNSTABLE, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 16:36:00 to 18-JUL-12 16:36:00 (EST-5)
Location: TRURO
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Lightning struck a cottage on Coast Guard Road, starting a fire.

Thunderstorm Wind in BRISTOL, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 14:58:00 to 18-JUL-12 14:58:00 (EST-5)
Location: DIGHTON
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Wires on Williams Street were downed by thunderstorm winds.

Thunderstorm Wind in BRISTOL, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 15:00:00 to 18-JUL-12 15:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: DIGHTON
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Two trees on Elm Street were downed by thunderstorm winds.

Thunderstorm Wind in PLYMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 15:10:00 to 18-JUL-12 15:10:00 (EST-5)
Location: DUXBURY
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Trees on Franklin and Union Streets were downed by thunderstorm winds.

Flash Flood in ESSEX, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 13:17:00 to 18-JUL-12 14:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: LYNN COMMON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

In Lynn, Federal and Commercial Streets were impassable.  In Peabody, approximately 2 feet of water flowed across Route 114.  The Nahant-Lynn rotary and the Lynnway at Commercial Street were flooded.  The Nahant Causeway and Route 1 Southbound at Route 60 were flooded with standing water.

Flood in MIDDLESEX, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 15:58:00 to 18-JUL-12 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: NEWTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

In Newton, a 20 foot stretch of Beacon Street was flooded with 1 foot of water.  Also, Route 9 at the Parker Street underpass was flooded with 6 to 12 inches of water.  Route 9 westbound near the Chestnut Hill Mall was flooded with 10 to 12 inches of water.  In Natick, Speen Street near the Natick Mall was flooded with a foot of water.  A few cars stalled out in the water.

Hail in BRISTOL, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 14:30:00 to 18-JUL-12 15:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: SEGREGANSET
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SHAVE Project

Hail in SUFFOLK, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 16:43:00 to 18-JUL-12 16:43:00 (EST-5)
Location: REVERE
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 13:33:00 to 18-JUL-12 13:33:00 (EST-5)
Location: OXFORD
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Pea to nickel size hail fell on the Oxford/Webster line.

Hail in BRISTOL, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 15:00:00 to 18-JUL-12 15:20:00 (EST-5)
Location: REHOBOTH
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SHAVE Project

Hail in BRISTOL, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 15:00:00 to 18-JUL-12 15:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: WEIR VLG
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SHAVE Project

Hail in MIDDLESEX, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 13:44:00 to 18-JUL-12 13:44:00 (EST-5)
Location: SAXONVILLE
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Hail in BRISTOL, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 15:10:00 to 18-JUL-12 15:10:00 (EST-5)
Location: TAUNTON
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Hail in BRISTOL, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 15:15:00 to 18-JUL-12 15:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: TAUNTON
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Lightning in PLYMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 14:26:00 to 18-JUL-12 14:26:00 (EST-5)
Location: WHITMAN
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Lightning struck a house on Pine Circle, setting it on fire.

Thunderstorm Wind in BRISTOL, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 15:37:00 to 18-JUL-12 15:37:00 (EST-5)
Location: ACUSHNET
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Trees on Main Street were downed by thunderstorm winds.

Thunderstorm Wind in BRISTOL, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 15:37:00 to 18-JUL-12 15:37:00 (EST-5)
Location: EAST FAIRHAVEN
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Trees on Gilbert Road, Mulberry, and Massasoit Streets were downed by thunderstorm winds.

Hail in BRISTOL, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 14:45:00 to 18-JUL-12 15:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: NORTH REHOBOTH
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SHAVE Project

Thunderstorm Wind in BRISTOL, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 15:20:00 to 18-JUL-12 15:20:00 (EST-5)
Location: NORTH BRISTOL
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

A tree on Carrol Street was downed onto a car.  In addition, trees on Rochambeau and Hatch Streets were downed by thunderstorm winds.

Thunderstorm Wind in PLYMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 15:40:00 to 18-JUL-12 15:40:00 (EST-5)
Location: ROCHESTER
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Several trees were downed by thunderstorm winds, including one on Robinson Road.

Hail in ESSEX, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 13:13:00 to 18-JUL-12 13:13:00 (EST-5)
Location: LYNN
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Hail in WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 14:13:00 to 18-JUL-12 14:13:00 (EST-5)
Location: LINWOOD
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Hail in BRISTOL, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 15:08:00 to 18-JUL-12 15:08:00 (EST-5)
Location: TAUNTON
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Hail in MIDDLESEX, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 12:23:00 to 18-JUL-12 12:23:00 (EST-5)
Location: DRACUT
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Hail in ESSEX, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 13:00:00 to 18-JUL-12 13:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: SALEM CGAS
Magnitude: 1.38 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in ESSEX, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 13:00:00 to 18-JUL-12 13:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: LYNNFIELD
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Hail in ESSEX, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 13:10:00 to 18-JUL-12 13:10:00 (EST-5)
Location: LYNN
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Hail in ESSEX, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 13:03:00 to 18-JUL-12 13:03:00 (EST-5)
Location: WEST PEABODY
Magnitude: 1.25 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Hail in MIDDLESEX, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 13:04:00 to 18-JUL-12 13:04:00 (EST-5)
Location: FARM HILL
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Hail in MIDDLESEX, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 13:05:00 to 18-JUL-12 13:05:00 (EST-5)
Location: WEST EVERETT
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Hail in WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 13:26:00 to 18-JUL-12 13:26:00 (EST-5)
Location: SOUTHBRIDGE
Magnitude: 1.50 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in MIDDLESEX, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 13:43:00 to 18-JUL-12 13:43:00 (EST-5)
Location: NATICK
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in NORFOLK, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 14:01:00 to 18-JUL-12 14:01:00 (EST-5)
Location: NEEDHAM
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in BRISTOL, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 14:57:00 to 18-JUL-12 14:57:00 (EST-5)
Location: DIGHTON
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Golfball size hail fell near the Dighton Fire Department.

Hail in BRISTOL, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 14:58:00 to 18-JUL-12 14:58:00 (EST-5)
Location: SEEKONK
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Hail in SUFFOLK, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 13:12:00 to 18-JUL-12 13:12:00 (EST-5)
Location: REVERE
Magnitude: 1.25 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Hail in ESSEX, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 13:15:00 to 18-JUL-12 13:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: SAUGUS IRON WORKS NH
Magnitude: 1.25 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Hail in BRISTOL, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 14:40:00 to 18-JUL-12 15:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: REHOBOTH
Magnitude: 2.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Quarter to lime sized hail fell in Rehoboth.

Hail in BRISTOL, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 14:40:00 to 18-JUL-12 14:50:00 (EST-5)
Location: ATTLEBORO
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Nickel to quarter size hail fell in Attleboro.

Hail in ESSEX, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 13:15:00 to 18-JUL-12 13:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: NAHANT
Magnitude: 1.50 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in ESSEX, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 13:10:00 to 18-JUL-12 13:10:00 (EST-5)
Location: SAUGUS IRON WORKS NH
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in MIDDLESEX, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 13:40:00 to 18-JUL-12 13:40:00 (EST-5)
Location: SAXONVILLE
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in ESSEX, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 13:14:00 to 18-JUL-12 13:14:00 (EST-5)
Location: SWAMPSCOTT
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in BRISTOL, MASSACHUSETTS
From 18-JUL-12 15:44:00 to 18-JUL-12 15:52:00 (EST-5)
Location: NORTH REHOBOTH
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SHAVE Project

Quarter to golfball size hail fell in Rehoboth.