The southern United States is bracing for more severe weather as baseball-sized hailstones fell in Texas, causing widespread damage and disruption. The hailstones, about 5 inches across, were reported in Johnson City, central Texas, and were accompanied by high wind gusts and power outages. Photos posted on social media showed the enormous hailstones, with some stones reaching up to 5 inches in diameter.
Similarly, hail pieces about the size of golfballs were also spotted in Granbury, Texas, an hour outside Fort Worth. Tennis ball-sized hailstones fell in Pecan Plantation, an unincorporated community in central Texas. The hailstones were so large that they “sounded like bombs were hitting the top of the ambulance,” according to Lydia Torres, a medic in Pecan Plantation.
The cities of San Marcos and Johnson City reported extensive damage from the supersized hail and high wind gusts. San Marcos officials reported downed power lines and uprooted trees, while Johnson City residents told of shattered glass and broken windows. Several areas of Texas were under a tornado warning late on Thursday, with over 300,000 residents mostly in southern states experiencing power outages.
Texas HailstonesIn Florida, 197,405 people are without power, with northern parts of the state seeing severe thunderstorms that could turn into tornadoes. The National Weather Service warned of “damaging to destructive winds, isolated tornadoes, and large hail” in the region. Residents in Tallahassee reported extensive damage, with heavy rainfall also becoming a concern.
As the storm complex continues to develop, residents are urged to remain cautious and follow evacuation orders if necessary. The situation is still unfolding, with more severe weather expected in the coming hours.