Homeowners in Western Massachusetts have already filed $90 million in insurance claims for damages caused by tornadoes that ravaged Springfield and several smaller communities last week.

The estimate, compiled by the state Division of Insurance, is the largest in recent memory and is expected to grow.

Barbara Anthony, undersecretary of the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, said Tuesday 5,000 claims have been filed and she expects more in the coming weeks.

Three tornadoes, including one the National Weather Service rated at an EF3, struck the area last Wednesday. Three people were killed and hundreds injured.

Anthony, who is touring the region Tuesday, said many homes are damaged by fallen trees. She is encouraging homeowners to hire one of the 28,000 contractors registered with the state to protect against subpar or overpriced work. (AP)