Large chunks of hail fell across parts of Kansas and Missouri on Wednesday night, paralyzing traffic and unleashing a possible tornado. At least one unconfirmed tornado was reported in Alta Vista, Kansas, on Wednesday, according to media reports.
Quarter-sized hail and wind gusts up to 60 mph were expected across northern Kansas overnight through 6 a.m. Thursday. Descriptions of the hail ranged from the size of golf balls and apples to softballs and baseballs. "Gorilla hail" is a term coined by Reed Timmer, a storm chaser.