Giant hailstones hit Arctic Finland
Hailstones the size of golf balls fell on the city of Rovaniemi in Finland’s Arctic Lapland province on Saturday evening for 10-15 minutes as part of a violent but brief thunderstorm.
The hot sun continued to shine down on the northern city of Rovaniemi on Saturday, interrupted only by a short but severe thunderstorm that rained hailstones the size of golf balls down on the city.
People that witnessed the deluge report that the hailstorm lasted for between ten and fifteen minutes, accompanied by torrential winds that caused the rain to fall horizontally at times.
Rescue services in the area say no damages from the hail have yet to be reported, but estimates that “Some people’s flower beds may be the worse for wear…”
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Tiny Arctic town’s weather site approaches 1 millionth hit, CBC News
Finland: Cold weather causes dazzling light displays in Finland, Yle News
Sweden: Extreme weather threatens nuclear safety in Sweden, Radio Sweden
United States: Warm Alaska weather may mean misery for Iditarod racers, Alaska Dispatch
