In the annals of severe weather, few phenomena generate as much awe, and often as much damage, as hailstorms. Each year, many communities across the Midwest are subject to these remarkable and destructive meteorological events. In today’s post, we’ll delve into the details of one particular hailstorm that swept across the region on May 7, 2023, causing significant damage to several counties in Illinois.
Afternoon Commotion in Carbondale and Sesser
The afternoon of May 7, 2023, started as any typical Sunday for the residents of Carbondale and Sesser, both situated in Southern Illinois. But by 2:17 PM, the serene atmosphere in Carbondale was disrupted when the city witnessed a hailstorm, with hailstones the size of a quarter (1 inch in diameter) raining down on the city.
A mere eight minutes later, at 2:25 PM, a similar event unfolded in Sesser, Franklin County. The hailstorm was equally violent, with quarter-sized hail reported. Local media quickly relayed the event, which was confirmed by radar.
A Golf Ball-Sized Surprise in New Burnside and Okawville
The intensity of the hailstorms increased as the day wore on. At 2:45 PM, New Burnside, located in Johnson County, was pelted with golf-ball-sized hail (1.75 inches). This unexpected weather occurrence was rapidly reported by local media.
Later in the day, at 6:00 PM, a sizeable hailstorm struck Okawville, Washington County. Residents shared pictures on Twitter, showing hailstones almost the size of golf balls. This event corrected previous hail reports from the area, underscoring the seriousness of the day’s weather events.
Around 6:40 PM, a significant hail event was reported two miles north of Nashville, Washington County. The hailstones, reported as being the size of gumballs, signified the escalating severity of the weather conditions along the I-64 and 127 highway corridor.
An Evening to Remember in Chatham
As evening fell, Chatham, Sangamon County, bore the brunt of the day’s stormy onslaught. By 8:02 PM, hail the size of golf balls rained down on the city. Just two minutes later, at 8:04 PM, the hailstones reduced slightly in size, reported as 1.25 inches in diameter. However, even a mile northeast of Chatham, the hail size was still substantial, matching the size of a quarter.
Conclusion
The hailstorm event of May 7, 2023, is a stark reminder of the power of Mother Nature. From the afternoon through the evening, this major weather event traversed across several counties in Illinois, bringing with it considerable damage. Stay tuned as we continue to track and report on these significant weather events across the Midwest.
Remember, when Mother Nature shows her strength, we have the resilience and resources to counter it. Visit our website Allied Emergency Services or call us directly at 1-800-792-0212. We’re here to help, 24/7.
Don’t let a storm disrupt your life. Reach out to us now – We’re your allies in recovery
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