Hail Storm Memories of October 2010

Photos by Lisa E White

I love Scottsdale because we rarely have weather catastrophes that threaten other parts of the country.  However, October 5th, 2010 will be ever etched in my memory.  While showing Swiss friends around Taliesin West, a huge rain storm hit.  The reddish picture above is from the floor in Frank Lloyd Wright's office.  Taliesin West roofs were not made for severe weather, and though they have replaced the canvas with more permanent material, the rain poured in, flooding the floor.  I was particularly aware of the in-ground electrical unit.  Upon completing the tour, I wanted to show my guests Wright's spire at Scottsdale and Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd.  As we made our way home, the clouds ahead were black.  Upon reaching the 101 on Cactus Road, hail started hitting the car.  With no where to hide, I pulled over to sit it out.  We felt as if we were in a war zone.  The sound was deafening as golfball size hail hit the car like bullets, breaking the windshield, and pummeling the poor metal surfaces.  When we returned home, my husband told us of the excitement of the hail hitting the pool.  After immediately calling my insurance company, I finally snapped a picture of the size of the hail, but thirty minutes had elapsed, causing the hailstones to have melted a bit.  My poor car suffered $4,000 worth of damage.  The Arizona Republic reported that $2.9 billion worth of damage was done from this storm.  I am just glad I wasn't at football or cross country practice that day!!!  If you haven't seen a YouTube of this day, check this out:  Hail in pool