Hailstorms in North Georgia on May 20, 2006

Hailstorms in North Georgia on May 20, 2006

posted May 23, 2006

Large hail fell on at least 11 counties in North Georgia...

Summary of all storm reports received

Map showing counties affected by severe thunderstorms

Surface Weather Map at 8am

Radar loop (courtesy Plymouth State)

Morning and evening upper air plots (courtesy Plymouth State)

On the morning of May 20, 2006 a stationary front extended from Oklahoma east to Tennessee and North Carolina. In the heat of the afternoon thunderstorms erupted near the front and drifted southeastward into extreme northern Georgia. Many of the storms produced hail. Some of the storms produced hailstones the size of golfballs. At least one produced baseball size hail, and causing considerable damage in portions of Gilmer County.

Examples of Hail in Cartecay - Gilmer County. ( click images to enlarge )
Photos courtesy Lorraine Morris.
Hand holding large hailstone.	Looks like this stone measured about 2.5 inches.
Three large stones in hand.	Collection of hailstones from the lawn.

Examples of Hail in Ellijay - Gilmer County. ( click images to enlarge )
Photos courtesy Lt. Kenneth Cox and Fox5-TV (Atlanta) meteorologist Ken Cook.
Entryway peppered by hail of varying sizes.	Hand holding two impressive hailstones.
One stone about the size of a tennis ball.	Large hail stripped leaves from trees.

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[ map showing counties affected by large hail May 20, 2006 ]