The greater Taipei area was hit by an unusual hailstorm caused by strong rising air currents yesterday afternoon, impressing and scaring many residents.
Pedestrians and motorcyclists sought shelter when the storm invaded the city and delivered hail and heavy rain.
The hailstorm lasted about 15 minutes. Pedestrians found hailstones nearly 2cm in diameter, about the size of a NT$5 coin, according to a TV news report.
"I have never seen anything like this in my life," a longtime Taipei resident was quoted as saying.
The storm forced a brief shutdown of the Sungshan Airport.
Outside of Taipei, Chungho, Yungho and Hsintien also felt the power of the storm.
TV news reports said motorists on the main expressways were forced to slow down in order to prevent accidents.
The Central Weather Bureau said hailstorms are not uncommon.
"It happens, several times a year in different places in Taiwan," said You Chih-chi (
"Hailstorms usually happen in spring and summer afternoons when updrafts and downdrafts interact strongly," You said.
Hailstones ranging in size from that of a pea to that of a coin are often formed as the currents interact, You said.
Yesterday's downpour did little to ease the water shortage in the greater Tapei area because it skirted local reservoirs, the bureau said.
The water level of the Feitsui Reservoir -- which serves Taipei City -- fell from 136.97m on Saturday to 136.35m at 6pm yesterday, according to the reservoir administration.
The weather bureau said hailstorms are a possibility in the coming days, adding Taipei residents should be on alert for flooding and lightning.
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