Residents collect hailstones after a storm in Thanh Binh Tho Commune, Nghe An Province, north-central Vietnam, May 3, 2026. Photo: Tam Pham
Storms accompanied by strong winds and hail hit localities including Anh Son, Tan Ky, Nghia Dan, and Do Luong at around 5:30 pm, as dark clouds gathered with thunder and lightning.
Heavy rain and hail of varying sizes then fell, with some stones reported as large as a cup.
Motorcyclists sought shelter in nearby houses as the sudden hailstorm intensified, while some residents used blankets, mats, and quilts to shield vehicles from potential damage to windshields.
Residents cover a car with blankets to protect it from hail during a storm in Yen Thanh Commune, Nghe An Province, north-central Vietnam, May 3, 2026. Photo: Doan Hoa / Tuoi Tre
“After seeing reports of hail breaking car windows in other places, I used blankets to cover my car to avoid damage,” local resident Lien said.
Although the hail lasted only a short time, residents voiced concern over potential impacts on the upcoming summer-autumn rice harvest, as strong winds could flatten crops nearing harvest.
Hailstones fall across parts of Nghe An Province in north-central Vietnam during a thunderstorm on May 3, 2026. Photo: Tam Pham
The North-Central Regional Hydrometeorological Center said the weather was caused by cold air compressing a low-pressure trough, leading to widespread moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Some areas experienced very heavy rainfall and were warned of risks including whirlwinds, lightning, hail, and strong gusts.
Hailstorms and thunderstorms are common during seasonal transitions in Vietnam, particularly in April–May and September–October.
Rice crops are flattened following a hailstorm and strong winds in Nghe An Province, north-central Vietnam, May 3, 2026. Photo: Doan Hoa / Tuoi Tre
