A severe hailstorm hit the area around Hartberg, southeastern Austria mid-afternoon on July 14. The A2 motorway was covered with a thick blanket of hail, turning it white. We take a look at reports.
Huge amounts of hail on the A2 highway near Hartberg. Photo: Manuel Höfler.
Several likely supercells, as indicated by their radar presentation and deviant right mover motion, formed in the region encompassing southeastern Austria, northeastern Slovenia and western Hungary yesterday. Ample energy, up to 1000-1500 J/kg MLCAPE and deep-layer shear was available.
Two likely supercells in the region. Images: ARSO SIRAD.
While hailstones just reached severity criterion, a thick blanket formed over the landscape. In particular, it affected driving conditions along the A2 highway.
Huge amounts of hail on the A2 highway near Hartberg. Photo: Manuel Höfler.
Huge amounts of hail in Löffelbach bei Hartberg. Photo: Michaela Gurtet.
Southeastern Austria, along with northeastern Slovenia and western Hungary is a well-known severe thunderstorm hot spot, with frequent severe hailstorms.