Pingpong-sized hail strikes Koudekerke and Dishoek, lightning damages homes and cars

Hailstones as large as pingpong balls have already caused damage in Koudekerke and nearby Dishoek just after midday Saturday. Cars, gardens, and property were hit across multiple streets within minutes of the storm’s arrival, PZC reports.

The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) upgraded its thunderstorm warning to Code Orange from Code Yellow around midday Saturday as storm conditions intensified. The agency cited the risk of heavy wind gusts, large hail, and intense downpours. There is also a chance of possible tornado development.

In Koudekerke, the hailstorm struck shortly after noon, leaving visible damage across vehicles and property. A newly purchased Ford Kuga in De Ruyterstraat was among the cars hit, showing multiple dents from the impact.

Peter Veerhoek inspected the damage on his vehicle, pointing out dents across the bodywork as he assessed the aftermath. He believes insurance would cover the damage but noted even worse destruction nearby. A neighbor's Mercedes, for example, looks like a “poffertjes pan,” he said.

His wife said she was driving along the Sloeweg when the hail began and described the experience as frightening. She said the hailstones were large enough to damage a garden table at home.

In Weststraat, which intersects De Ruyterstraat, lightning strikes also caused widespread electrical failures in homes, knocking out freezers, boilers, and televisions.

One resident said the lightning strike caused what she described as a sudden fire-like flash inside her home. She said she immediately checked upstairs for possible fire. She described the experience to PZC as extremely frightening and said she had never experienced anything like it before.

In Griffoen in Middelburg and on Dishoek beach, residents also reported hailstones large enough that fewer than five could fit in a hand.