Brutal hail bombardment and accumulation in Liguria, Italy

A violent hailstorm hit Liguria, a crescent-shaped region in northwest Italy, during the afternoon hours of October 1, 2018. The storm covered the region in a thick layer of ice, causing traffic chaos and severe agricultural damage. The worst affected was the city of Allasio.

In some places, ice accumulation was as high as 0.5 m (1.6 feet), local media report.  Residents of Allasio said it was the first time such violent hailstorm hit their city.

According to Coldiretti, an organization for agricultural entrepreneurs, violent hailstorm that struck Liguria's municipalities of Alassio, Andora, Casanova Lerrone and Garlenda (Savona) caused severe agricultural damage.

At this seasonal stage, hail is the most feared atmospheric event, they said. This event added to agricultural damage which, due to extreme weather events, is already over half a billion euros so far this year.

Several roads and underpasses have been closed for traffic, after huge hail accumulations stranded drivers in their cars.

The storm also affected air traffic, diverting flights from the Genoa airport.

Featured image credit: Rete Meteo Amatori