In the town of Reutlingen, located in the state of Baden-Württemberg, Germany, an unusual weather event occurred during the middle of summer. On a Friday afternoon, the town was hit by a localized hailstorm and heavy rain, resulting in the streets being covered in a layer of white hail up to 30 centimeters deep, as reported by the DPA news agency.

Residents of Reutlingen were taken by surprise when a sudden hailstorm swept through the town, leaving streets buried under a thick layer of hail. The combination of hailstones and leaves caused drainage manholes to become clogged, leading to water flooding underground garages, cellars, and houses. Local authorities quickly responded to the situation, with technical services deploying snowploughs to clear the streets and mitigate the impacts of the storm.

The German Weather Service (DWD) characterized the hailstorm as “not exceptional,” explaining that its slow movement over the town resulted in the rapid accumulation of hail. Meteorologists noted that had the storm struck in open countryside a few kilometers away, it might not have caused as much disruption, as rain and hail would have drained away more quickly in meadows and fields compared to the urban environment.

The hailstones reported in Reutlingen had a diameter of 1.8 centimeters, contributing to the considerable layer of hail covering the streets. While the weather event caused localized flooding, no major damages were reported in the town.

One noteworthy impact of the hailstorm was seen on the Echaz River, which flows through Reutlingen. The river experienced a rapid rise of 1.5 meters in just five minutes, leading to a brief overflow. Fortunately, the situation was brought under control without significant consequences.

As extreme weather events become more common globally, Reutlingen’s hailstorm serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and effective response measures to deal with sudden weather changes. Local authorities and meteorological agencies play a critical role in monitoring and alerting the public about potential weather hazards. While this particular hailstorm may not have been considered “exceptional” in meteorological terms, its impact on the town’s infrastructure and daily life underscores the significance of proactive planning and risk management in the face of unpredictable weather patterns.

Article by Prague Forum