Hail on Earth, March 14, 2006

A severe storm warning on TV around noon and a tornado watch for south Sacramento County was broadcast.  A darkening sky with lightning, thunder and heavy rain follow.  Then came the hail.  That got my attention and I grabbed the camera.  Minutes later the sky opens up to bright sun.  All in the span of less than an hour.

The roofs and yards in the neighborhood are coated white with bb and pea sized hail that fell for about fifteen minutes.

The hail stayed around for about half an hour.  Here is a closer view.

The bright sunshine that followed was a sharp contrast to the cold gray conditions just minutes before.  The steam floating off the roofs was an indication of the sun's intensity.