During the Fourth of July storm that swept through Terryville this year, a resident captured a hailstone that now holds the record for the largest hail ever documented in Connecticut.
Record‑breaking size confirmed
The hailstone, measured at 3.5 inches in diameter, was verified by the National Weather Service after a committee of weather experts reviewed photographs, measurements and storm data. The decision was made on Aug. 20 and formally approved on Oct. 9, according to a NOAA report.
Previous state records listed a 2.75‑inch hailstone recorded on May 29, 1969, in Groton and again on June 20, 1995, in Deep River. The new 3.5‑inch stone surpasses those historic measurements by a full three‑quarters of an inch.
How the hailstone was collected
Billy Johnpiere, a Terryville homeowner, said his daughter suggested they gather hailstones after the storm passed. Using a wooden ruler and a tape measure, the family measured the stone, placed it in a plastic bag, and stored it in the freezer. Johnpiere also photographed the hailstone next to the measuring tools and sent the images to NBC Connecticut Stormtracker meteorologist Ryan Hanrahan.
“I have some bragging rights in a sense because my wife was like, ‘What are you doing? You’re crazy,’” Johnpiere recalled. “And it ended up working out this way, which is pretty awesome.”
Local pride in a weather milestone
The community’s enthusiasm reflects a broader appreciation for local weather phenomena and the dedication of citizen scientists who help verify extreme events. The record‑setting hailstone adds Terryville to Connecticut’s meteorological history and showcases the value of public participation in weather monitoring.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.
