A powerful storm brought an extraordinary burst of giant hail to the small town of Silver Creek, Oklahoma, on Tuesday evening, transforming streets, lawns, and yards into a landscape that looked as though it had been covered by snow. Residents said the weather changed within minutes as dark clouds moved overhead and the first pieces of ice began striking rooftops.

The hail quickly intensified, with some individual stones growing large enough to fit across the palm of a hand. The sound became deafening as ice repeatedly struck windows, vehicles, metal roofs, and outdoor furniture. Families rushed inside while drivers who were still on the road searched for covered areas where they could protect their vehicles.

When the storm finally weakened, residents stepped outside to discover thick layers of hail covering the ground. Several vehicles were left with dents, plants and gardens were damaged, and tree branches were scattered across parts of the town. Some homeowners also discovered cracked exterior fixtures and damage to roofing.

One of the most remarkable discoveries came when residents began collecting the largest hailstones. Several were dramatically larger than ordinary hail, explaining why the storm had sounded so violent from inside homes. Even longtime residents said they couldn’t remember seeing ice of that size falling so rapidly.

By later that evening, much of the hail had begun melting, but the evidence of the storm remained everywhere. Tuesday’s sudden event lasted only a short time, yet for the people of Silver Creek, the sight of enormous hailstones pounding their town became a weather event they would remember for years.