Hawke's Bay has seen a hail storm that a Hastings cherry grower reckons was the worst he has seen in 20 years. The freak hail storm on Wednesday afternoon only lasted about 15 minutes, but left behind piles of hail on many properties, including orchards. Parts of rural Hastings and Havelock North were among the worst areas impacted.
A cherry grower from Longlands in Hastings, said: "I haven't seen anything like it since being here.” He was out fixing his nets on Thursday after the downpour and said he had to cut holes in the netting to relieve pressure, after two large posts broke under the weight.
Smaller piles of hail were still settled on the ground at the cherry farm as of late Thursday morning. Fortunately, cherries generally grow later in the year, and are then picked in time for Christmas.
Source: nzherald.co.nz