Intense hail struck the region of Ituna, Saskatchewan, last week, leaving one local farmer with not just damaged crops, but injuries as well.
Colin Spilchuk and his wife were on their farm Friday when a storm system rolled into the region. According to Environment Canada, hail the size of tennis balls was reported in Jedburgh, while Ituna saw hen egg-sized hail. The meteorological agency also reported that wind gusts of up to 111kph were recording during the storm, which lasted about 20 minutes.
Spilchuk described the hail to CBC News as “big, surreal and loud.”
“Mostly you’re in disbelief it’s happening,” he added.
Spilchuk said that he was “shocked” when the large hail first fell – according to him, quarter-sized hail had been the norm in his area for the longest time.
While he was running to take cover, Spilchuk was pelted with several hailstones; an experience he likened to getting hit with a baseball at close proximity.
The hail did more than just injure Spilchuk – it also left windshields cracked, vehicles dented, and lights damaged. Spilchuk’s cattle also had welts on them and some of his crops were destroyed as well.
He noted that he does have hail and crop insurance, so the financial toll of the event is minimal.
Spilchuk’s experience comes as Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation confirmed that it had received almost 200 weather-related crop claims for this year, so far. Prior to the storm that hit Jedburgh and Ituna, five tornadoes touched down on the province early last week.
