Environment·29.04.2026KI-Zusammenfassung Historic Hailstorm Batters Springfield, Missouri: 4.75-Inch Hailstones Kill Emu, Damage Hundreds of Vehicles
A historic hailstorm struck Springfield, Missouri on April 18, 2026, producing 4.75-inch softball-size hailstones—the largest ever recorded in the city. The supercell thunderstorm killed a 21-year-old emu at Dickerson Park Zoo, injured drivers, knocked out power to thousands, and damaged hundreds of vehicles and aircraft at Springfield-Branson National Airport. Emergency management officials called it the worst hail storm in Springfield's history, though it fell short of the state record of 6 inches set near Maryville in 2004.