Extra large hailstones devastate Rubielos de Mora, Spain
A devastating hail storm with hail larger than tennis balls hit the Spanish tourist town of Rubielos de Mora in Aragón's province of Teruel on Sunday, July 23, 2017, destroying roofs, windows, and cars. The towns mayor and oldest residents say they have never witnessed such violent hailstorm.
The hailstorm was brief but very intense. It lasted about 12 minutes, starting just after 17:15 local time.
"The storm destroyed roofs, windows and parked cars, and left trees without leaves," the mayor of Rubielos de Mora, Angel Gracia said. The City Council is still assessing the damage that occurred in what is now declared an area of special attention, formerly known as a disaster zone.
The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) said the storm brought heavy rain, up to 28 mm (1.1 inches) within 30 minutes, wind gusts up to 90 km/h (56 mph), and hail stones up to 8 cm (3.1 inches) in diameter.
The size of #hail stones that hit the town of Rubielos de Mora, in Spanish province of #Teruel on Sunday! Via @TeruelMeteo, @AEMET_SINOBAS pic.twitter.com/8J5WyBmaxC
— WMO | OMM (@WMO) July 24, 2017
Esta tarde en Rubielos (Teruel) pic.twitter.com/SfHPF0gA9C
— Javier Sanz (@jsanz) July 23, 2017
Although with less devastating effects, intense hail storm also hit other municipalities of Aragón, like Alcañiz and Castellote.
Featured image credit: AEMET
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