QuickCheck: Did it hail in Hulu Selangor recently?

HAIL is a phenomenon that happens when raindrops are carried upward by thunderstorm updrafts into extremely cold areas of the atmosphere and freeze, forming hailstones.

While less common in the tropics than in cooler climates, hailstorms do occur in Malaysia from time to time.

Is it true, then, that hail fell in Hulu Selangor recently?

Verdict:

TRUE

People in Bukit Beruntung, Hulu Selangor were alarmed when hailstones fell in the area at around 5pm on Wednesday (May 29).

"Many uploaded videos and photos on Facebook, sharing their experiences of being hit," reported Majoriti.

"There was a strong wind. I had to shut the windows (for fear of) lightning and turned off the power," social media user "Nrhaizm" said.

"Managed to park the car below the roof, or the hailstones could have hit my windscreen," said another user, Calcin Loo.

"Storm, strong winds, hailstones, (I) quickly picked up my son and shouted to him not to swallow the hailstones," commented Khairunnisa Kadir.

Meanwhile, images in the portal's comments section showed an uprooted tree hitting a car in the area.

The road to the nearby housing area was also blocked by uprooted trees, leading to traffic congestion.

Selangor Fire and Rescue Services Department assistant director (operations) Ahmad Mukhlis Mukhtar said three cars at the Sri Kemboja Apartment in Bukit Sentosa, Hulu Langat were damaged by falling trees.

He said seven personnel and officers in two fire engines rushed to the scene.

"The three cars were in the apartment parking lot. However, there were no injuries.

"Work on cutting and removing the trees was completed by our personnel," he added.