A rare and unexpected hailstorm swept through parts of Jos, the capital of Plateau State, on Monday and Thursday leaving residents stunned and scrambling for shelter.
The sudden weather event, brought chunks of ice crashing down on the city, creating a scene of chaos and confusion.
The storm, which began around midday of Monday and same on Thursday caught many off guard, with eyewitnesses describing a rapid shift from cloudy skies to intense rainfall mix with ice.
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Videos and photos of the hailstorm quickly went viral on social media, with many residents expressing shock and amazement at the rare weather event. “I’ve never seen anything like this in my life,” one resident tweeted, while another posted a video of hailstones bouncing off the ground.
According to the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), the weather forecast for Jos on Monday had predicted cloudy conditions and isolated thunderstorms. While the agency had warned of potential storms, the scale of the hail took many residents by surprise.
The hailstorm is unusual for Nigeria, given the country’s generally warm climate. However, Jos’s higher elevation compared to other souroundings contributes to its cooler temperatures, making it one of the few places in the country where such weather phenomena can occur.
Residents are still reeling from the unexpected weather event. While some have taken to social media to share their experiences, others are focused on cleaning up the debris left behind.
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Residents are left wondering when the next unexpected weather event might strike.
