Weatherman: Hailstones are normal in long rain season

 The Meteorological department has explained that the heavy hailstones that left a trail of crop destruction in parts of Kipipiri, Nyandarua county is just a normal occurrence.

 Kirima and neighbouring villages in Kipipiri Constituency, Nyandarua County, are counting their losses after heavy rains on Wednesday night, accompanied by hailstones, destroyed many acres of crops.

  The County Director of Meteorological Service Peter Wambugu said hailstones are common during long rain seasons.

 Speaking from Mombasa where he is attending a workshop, Wambugu said, “hailstones are common during this time of long rain season in the country. 

“It occurs when water droplets within the clouds are raised by updrafts above the freezing level.”

Residents who suffered serious damage to crops during the three-hour downpour on Wednesday night said they have never witnessed such an occurrence in the area. The hailstones formed a six inch layer covering the ground.