Dallas’ Mayfest Hailstorm

From Tim Marshall

The costliest hailstorm in United States history struck the Dallas/Ft. Worth area on this date in 1995.

At least ten thousand people were caught outside at the annual arts celebration in Fort Worth. Baseball size hail pounded people as they ran for their cars or huddled over their children, protecting them from the huge storms.

A total of 109 people were injured by the giant hail, which was up to 4 inches in diameter. Hail-related injuries included broken bones, lacerations and deep bruises.

As the severe weather was overwhelming the NWS Fort Worth staff, who were busy issuing severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings, the massive thunderstorm turned into a prolific rain producer. The cloudburst dropped nine inches of rain in a short time over parts of the Metroplex.

Even as tornado warnings were still in effect, the forecasters issued a timely flash flood warnings minutes ahead of the worst flooding. Over five hundred injuries were reported. Fifteen people died from flooding, and another three from lightning. More than 1.5 billion dollars of property damage resulted.

Category: Alabama's Weather, Met 101/Weather History