Giant Hailstorm Hits Beijing, Causing Widespread Damage and Disruption
Beijing, the capital city of China, was hit by a rare and intense hailstorm on May 13, with hailstones as large as eggs, causing widespread damage and disrupting daily life. The storm, which lasted from 4 pm to 11 pm, affected 13 districts, including Mentougou, Changping, Haidian, Chaoyang, Fengtai, Shunyi, and Shijingshan. Eyewitnesses described the hailstones as "bigger than walnuts" and "as big as eggs," with some weighing over 30 grams. The hailstorm was so severe that it sounded like "gunfire" or "explosions" as the hailstones hit the ground, with some residents comparing it to the sound of "fireworks" or "frying dumplings."
13 May 2025
The hailstorm caused significant damage to vehicles, with reports of cars being damaged by the large hailstones. Videos uploaded by netizens showed the hailstones pounding against the ground, shattering car windows, and damaging vehicles. Some cars were left with large dents and broken windshields, while others were severely damaged. The hailstorm also caused significant disruptions to traffic, with many roads becoming impassable due to the large amount of hail on the ground. In fact, roads in areas such as Fengtai and Daxing were severely flooded, with some sections of the road only allowing slow traffic, severely affecting the evening rush hour and causing delays for many commuters.
The Beijing Meteorological Bureau issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail, warning of the potential for large-scale damage. The bureau attributed the extreme weather to the intense convergence of cold and warm air masses, which led to the formation of strong convection currents and the resulting hailstorm. The authorities advised residents to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety, including carrying umbrellas or rain gear when going outdoors, avoiding traveling during heavy rain or hail, driving slowly and carefully, and securing outdoor items that could be damaged by strong winds or hail.
As a result of the hailstorm, many car owners are left wondering if their vehicles are covered by insurance. Fortunately, insurance companies have confirmed that cars damaged by hail can be compensated if the owner has purchased vehicle damage insurance. Several insurance companies, including Taipingyang Insurance and Ping An Insurance, have already received numerous reports of hail-related damages. Insurance company staff advise car owners to take photos and videos of the damages as soon as possible after the hailstorm has stopped, which will serve as evidence for the insurance claim.
The hailstorm has sparked widespread concern and discussion on social media, with the hashtag "Beijing hail is too big" trending on Weibo, China's popular microblogging platform, with over 410 million views. Netizens are sharing photos and videos of the hailstorm, with many expressing shock and amazement at the size and intensity of the hailstones. Others are warning people to stay safe and avoid traveling outdoors until the weather improves. By taking necessary precautions and staying informed about the latest weather updates, residents can minimize their risk of injury or property damage and stay safe during this severe weather event.
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