A powerful storm rolled through the Ohio Valley and parts of West Virginia on Monday evening, leaving behind a trail of destruction as hail of various sizes — some as large as hen eggs — pounded homes, vehicles, and landscapes across the region.
Residents from multiple counties took to social media to share jaw-dropping photos and videos of the hailstorm as it happened, describing the noise and damage as something they had never experienced before. The storm, which struck during the early evening hours, brought with it intense lightning, booming thunder, and waves of hail ranging in size from small peas to large golf balls — and even larger in some spots.
One West Virginia resident summed it up best: “I’ve never heard anything like it in my life. It sounded like someone was throwing rocks at my house.”
Widespread Reports Across State Lines
The severe weather impacted a broad area that stretched across southern Ohio and into multiple counties in West Virginia. Communities in Wood, Jackson, Roane, and Kanawha counties were among the hardest hit, with numerous reports of shattered car windshields, dented rooftops, and torn-up gardens and landscaping.
In Ohio, residents of Gallia and Lawrence counties also reported large hail pelting their neighborhoods, causing minor injuries, destroying patio furniture, and punching holes in vinyl siding.
Meteorologists with the National Weather Service confirmed that the system responsible for the hail was a fast-moving line of severe thunderstorms that developed in the afternoon and rapidly intensified as it moved eastward. These types of storms are not uncommon in the spring months, but the sheer size of the hailstones made this event particularly dangerous.
How Big Was the Hail?
Eyewitnesses and meteorological data confirmed hailstones ranging in size from peas (about 1/4 inch in diameter) to quarters (1 inch), golf balls (1.75 inches), and even hen eggs (over 2 inches). Such sizes are more than capable of causing damage to vehicles, rooftops, windows, and crops.
Some areas experienced hail for a sustained period of five to ten minutes, which increased the severity of the damage. Emergency management officials received dozens of reports from residents whose vehicles were damaged beyond repair.
“I just bought this car two weeks ago, and now it’s covered in dents,” said a frustrated homeowner in Kanawha County. “The back windshield was completely shattered.”
No Major Injuries, But Caution Urged
Fortunately, as of Tuesday morning, no major injuries were reported, although some residents did suffer minor cuts while running for cover or clearing debris. Local authorities urged residents to check for structural damage, particularly on rooftops, and to avoid walking on surfaces that might be slick with hailstones.
Utility crews were also dispatched across multiple regions to assess downed power lines and outages caused by the intense wind and hail. Several thousand homes temporarily lost power during the height of the storm, though most had service restored overnight.
A Reminder of Spring’s Power
While spring is known for bringing warming temperatures and blooming flowers, it also ushers in volatile weather patterns. Meteorologists have warned that this week’s hailstorm is a reminder of just how quickly conditions can turn dangerous during this time of year.
“People often associate spring with pleasant weather, but it’s actually one of the most active periods for severe weather in our region,” said a National Weather Service spokesperson. “We encourage everyone to stay weather-aware and have a plan in place when storms strike.”
Next Steps for Recovery
Insurance companies are already receiving claims for hail damage from across the affected region. Homeowners and car owners are being advised to document the damage thoroughly and contact their providers as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, clean-up efforts have begun. Crews are working to clear roads and sidewalks of broken glass, branches, and hail residue.
Residents are also being reminded that another storm system may move through later in the week, and they are urged to stay updated with local forecasts and alerts.
For those who witnessed the storm, it was an unforgettable event. For emergency services and weather officials, it’s another call to remain prepared. As spring continues, so too does the risk of more wild weather.
