NANTOU (TVBS News) — Hailstones the size of mung beans fell in the Kunyang (昆陽) and Wuling (武嶺) areas of Hehuan Mountain (合歡山) in Ren'ai Township, Nantou County (仁愛鄉), on Monday (July 8). The hailstorm occurred between 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m., posing no threat to people or vehicle safety.
The Central Weather Administration (CWA, 中央氣象署) has issued a severe thunderstorm alert for eight counties, including Nantou County. The bureau warns mountain-goers to be cautious of heavy rain, sudden strong winds, landslides, lightning, and flash floods.
Personnel from the Hehuan Mountain Dark Sky Park Yuanfeng Observatory (合歡山暗空公園鳶峰天文館) noted that the rain was intense and sudden, causing tourists to seek shelter in their cars. They stated that the hailstones landed on car hoods and windshields, but their small size ensured no damage to people or vehicles.
Afternoon thunderstorms, often accompanied by hail, are common in Nantou County's mountainous regions. Following a similar hail event in Caotun (草屯) on Sunday afternoon, the Kunyang and Wuling areas experienced hail on Monday.
Residents and visitors are urged to stay updated with weather forecasts and heed warnings from authorities to ensure their safety during such unpredictable weather events.