Large hailstones the size of baseballs pummeled Texas on Thursday, leaving a path of destruction as severe weather swept through the region. The onslaught of storms resulted in over 200,000 power outages across five Southern states, with cleanup efforts now underway.
In Johnson City, Texas, verified footage showcased massive hailstones measuring at least 5 inches in diameter, powerful enough to shatter the rear window of an SUV. One hailstone even measured a remarkable 6.25 inches in diameter, marking it as one of the largest ever recorded in the state, with only four hailstones over 6 inches confirmed since 1950.
The Midwest and the Southeast bore the brunt of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes this week, claiming the lives of at least three individuals due to the extreme weather conditions.
Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina were among the states grappling with power outages as thousands of customers found themselves without electricity. While the worst of the weather has passed for most areas, an estimated 7 million people remain at risk of severe weather on Friday, with Florida facing an “enhanced risk” of intense storms and winds reaching speeds of up to 70 mph.
In Pecan Plantation, located southwest of Fort Worth, families recounted the harrowing experience of their homes being battered by hail the size of golf balls. Lydia Torres, a medic, described the sound of hail hitting her ambulance as akin to bombs exploding, emphasizing the intensity of the storm.
As families in Maury County, Tennessee, grapple with the aftermath of tornadoes that wreaked havoc throughout the region, Columbia Fire & Rescue unveiled drone footage illustrating the extensive damage incurred and the extensive cleanup efforts that lie ahead.
The devastation witnessed in Maury County includes entire homes reduced to rubble and vast swaths of wooded areas left barren without trees. County officials have been providing guidance to affected residents on how to properly handle and dispose of the debris left in the tornado’s wake.
Looking ahead, concerns loom over the potential for flash flooding along the Gulf Coast next week, particularly in New Orleans, where heavy rainfall between 5 and 7 inches is forecasted. The relentless string of severe weather events underscores the urgent need for communities to remain vigilant and prepared in the face of nature’s unpredictable forces.