PHOTOS: Microburst Hammers Arlington

Arlington was hit with a confirmed microburst late Wednesday afternoon. WXIBOX, an amateur radio station at the National Weather Service's Taunton office, confirmed the microburst on its Twitter feed.

The storm hit East Arlington particularly hard, with downed power lines and trees throughout the neighborhood. On Mass Ave., the road is flooded near Bates street. A massive tree fell across the avenue near Linwood Street. Cars heading south are climbing halfway up the sidewalk in a single file to try and pass the obstacle.

Follow Arlington Patch on Facebook and Twitter for immediate updates.
Sign up for the free Arlington Patch daily newsletter for our complete coverage Thursday morning.

According to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, microbursts are the result of powerful thunderstorms, which push wind straight down to the ground. When that happens, the wind then shears across the ground at breakneck speeds, intensifying the effects of the rain and lightning. 

The storm was part of a series of powerful thunderstorms that soaked the region with heavy rain, along with large hail stones.

Share your photos: If you have pictures from today's storms add them here using the upload button above.