Apple-sized hailstones hammer Gyumri, shattering windshields

A severe hailstorm accompanied by strong winds and heavy rain struck Gyumri on June 18 in the evening, causing significant damage to infrastructure, vehicles, and residential property in several parts of Armenia’s second-largest city and nearby communities.

In the Ani and Mush districts, hail the size of apples smashed car windshields and damaged streetlights, while heavy rains flooded the streets. In some areas, apartment windows were also damaged.

Local residents told Armenpress that they had never seen such a severe hailstorm in the city.

No one was injured.

Rescuers and first responders worked across the city.

Shirak Governor Davit Arushanyan ordered a special commission to assess the damage.