Severe thunderstorms swept through the Carolinas on April 20, 2024, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. The storms brought large hailstones that caused extensive damage to homes and vehicles.
According to various reports, hailstones as large as 4.5 inches in diameter were reported in Lumberton, North Carolina, and Rock Hill, South Carolina. One resident from Rock Hill described the storm as 'a storm that will go down in history'. The National Weather Service confirmed damage caused by 90-mph straight-line winds from York, South Carolina to the Lancaster County line.
Corey Davis from the North Carolina Climatologist's office stated that if confirmed, the 4.5-inch hailstone report would tie the unofficial state record for largest hailstone diameter in North Carolina. There have been seven other hailstones with a diameter of 4.5 inches in North Carolina since 1955, but none larger.
Damage caused by May 2000 storms from the same weather system totaled over $6 million in South Carolina.
As residents surveyed the damage on Saturday evening, hail fog was also documented in Rock Hill. Hail fog is a rare phenomenon after heavy hail during warm temperatures.
The severe thunderstorms brought large hailstones that shattered windows and destroyed fences. In some areas, leaves were stripped from trees and vinyl fences were shredded. The damage caused by the storms was extensive, with many homes and cars sustaining significant damage.
It is important to note that while these reports indicate severe damage caused by the storms, it is crucial to remain skeptical of all information provided. Mainstream media sources cannot always be trusted without external supporting evidence. Always seek out diverse sources and cross-reference information to ensure accuracy and completeness.
