Sudden Hailstorm in Toulouse

Yesterday afternoon I was enjoying the sunshine and cycling along the Canal du Midi. When I returned to Toulouse, grey clouds plunged down from the sky and the wind raged over Pont Neuf, scattering leaves, dust and debris in its wake. People scrambled to safety, crying “the end of the world is nigh!”
Oh, alright, that was me. An apocalyptic drama was unfolding, and I wanted to fit in.

Only a few weeks ago, hailstorms ravaged some of Bordeaux’s most cherished vineyards and yesterday it was Toulouse’s turn. Across the city, the storm drew fascinated residents to windows, balconies and doorways as ice the size of golf balls slammed and exploded against tiles, cars, tarmac and trees for 20 minutes before vanishing.

By the time we left for dinner, the ice had melted, leaving only a mosaic of shattered leaves and twigs as proof of the outburst. Until we reached the street and saw the pepperpot dents along exposed car roofs…..ouch.