Summer beachgoers run for cover as sun and fun gives way to golf-ball-sized hail (VIDEO)

YouTube screen capture



NOVOSIBIRSK, Siberia – Summer beachgoers on the sandy banks of the Ob River in the eastern Siberian city of Novosibirsk had to run for cover as hail began to pelt from the sky over the weekend.

Video of the unusual scene appeared on YouTube and shows hundreds of swimmers and sunbathers lining the sandy shores at first.  Seconds later the wind whips up, rain falls and then the hail begins.

People can be seen pulling towels and air mattresses over the top of their nearly naked bodies as they run for cover.  Other people can be seen crowded under a lone beach umbrella.

Russian news channel RT reported that the golf-ball or hen-egg sized hail was soon replaced by heavy rain and flooding ensued in nearby streets ensued.

No casualties were reported, but RT said:

A scared female voice can be heard saying “If we die, I love you.”


While Siberia is known for frigid winter temperatures, in the summer parts of the region have temperatures comparable to the Mediterranean.

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