Exceptionally massive hail strikes Tripoli, Libya – possibly one of the largest on record

Libya's capital Tripoli was hit by a sudden storm on Tuesday, October 27, 2020, which generated exceptionally massive hail measuring more than 20 cm (8 inches) in diameter. Reports indicate that the hail could be one of the largest on record, along with the 2010 Dakota storm and the 2018 Argentina hail.

Local reports said the sudden storm resulted in severe damage to properties as many trees were knocked down and hailstones struck several vehicles. 

The Libyan Port and Shipping Authority confirmed that the port of Tripoli sustained damage, including fallen containers in the squares and port basin. 

"My rough estimate of Libyan hail size. Considering that this person had a slim hand, a preliminary estimate gives 20 cm (8 inches), 24 cm (9 inches) if that was adult," said Mateusz Taszarek, a Polish storm scientist and assistant professor of meteorology at the Adam Mickiewicz University

He noted that given its size, the hail could possibly break a world record.

This could put the event among the ranks of the world's giant hailstone events– the 2010 Dakota storm and the 2018 Argentina hail, where a gargantuan hailstone reportedly measured 23 cm (9 inches).

Featured image credit: محمد جموم