Large hail. Photo: Shutterstock Large hailstones measuring up to 5.1 centimeters in diameter caused significant damage in Arizona’s West Valley, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Phoenix on Wednesday, October 21.
The weather agency reported hailstones measuring between 3.8 and 5.1 centimeters, roughly the size of ping-pong balls to limes. Hail measuring around 4.4 centimeters is comparable to a golf ball, while stones reaching 5.1 centimeters are approximately lime-sized.
The NWS shared a hail-size comparison to illustrate the severity of the storm. For reference, quarter-sized hail measures about 2.5 centimeters, tennis-ball-sized hail about 6.4 centimeters, and baseball-sized hail approximately 7 centimeters.
Large hail can damage vehicles, roofs, windows and outdoor property. The NWS described the damage in the West Valley as significant.
The National Weather Service issued multiple warnings as severe thunderstorms swept across the state overnight Tuesday into Wednesday. Residents were urged to take shelter and stay away from windows as hailstones measuring 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.6 centimeters) battered the area, damaging roofs, shattering windows and denting cars.