Earthquake activity: Lawrence-area historical earthquake activity is significantly above Massachusetts state average. wind speeds 207-260 mph) tornado 33.3 miles away from the city center killed 90 people and injured 1228 people and caused between $50,000,000 and $500,000,000 in damages. wind speeds 158-206 mph) tornado 6.1 miles away from the Lawrence city center injured one person and caused between $50,000 and $500,000 in damages. Lawrence-area historical tornado activity is near Massachusetts state average. Single-family new house construction building permits: