In the United States, Massachusetts has declared a state of emergency after at least two tornadoes hit the north-eastern state, killing four people. Governor Deval Patrick imposed the state of emergency in response to the impacts of the tornadic activity and severe weather. A statement by Mr Patrick said residents should take shelter because of ongoing weather warnings. Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency spokesman Scott MacLeod says tornadoes on that scale were unheard of in the state. He said the severity and magnitude of the tornadoes we saw today is unprecedented in Massachusetts.