Massive Hailstorms Wreck Havoc Across Europe and Central Asia

Widespread Hailstorms Devastate Europe and Central Asia Severe hailstorms battered several countries across Europe and Central Asia between May 2nd and 3rd, 2025, causing significant damage and disruption. The storms, characterized by unusually large hailstones, left a trail of destruction in their wake. In Sanliurfa, Turkey, golf ball-sized hailstones caused considerable damage to agricultural land and vehicles. "The storm was unlike anything I've ever seen," said one resident, whose car windows were shattered by the hail. Similarly, in Poland's Lodz Voivodeship, tennis-ball-sized hail damaged houses, cars, and farmland, bringing traffic on the A1 motorway to a standstill. A spokesperson for the regional emergency services stated, "We've received numerous reports of roof damage and flooding across Piotrków and Bełchatów counties." The impact was felt as far east as Almaty, Kazakhstan, where a strong hailstorm covered streets with 1.5-centimeter hailstones. Paris, France, also experienced a powerful hailstorm, with flash flooding affecting several areas, including metro stations. The intensity and duration of the storm were described as unusual by Météo-France. The widespread nature of these storms highlights the unpredictable power of extreme weather events and underscores the importance of preparedness and emergency response.