Breaking Weather Alert: Fierce Severe Thunderstorm Slams New Hampshire – 60 MPH Winds & Quarter-Sized Hail Threaten Communities
Residents in Southern and Central New Hampshire Urged to Take Immediate Shelter as Dangerous Storms Sweep Across Rockingham, Strafford, and Merrimack Counties
The skies over southern and central New Hampshire have turned ominous today as the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning that has left residents stunned and scrambling for safety.
From the rolling hills of northwestern Rockingham County to the quiet neighborhoods of southwestern Strafford County and across eastern Merrimack County, the region is now under siege from nature’s fury.
This urgent warning remains in effect until 6:45 p.m., and meteorologists are emphasizing the seriousness of the situation: wind gusts roaring at 60 mph and hail the size of quarters could strike at any moment.
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A Storm with Dangerous Potential
These thunderstorms are not the usual summer rain showers. This is a fast-moving, high-intensity weather event capable of uprooting trees, tearing down power lines, damaging homes, and leaving entire communities in darkness.
According to NWS forecasters, the combination of extreme wind velocity and hail impact can cause both property damage and personal injury.
Imagine being caught outside when chunks of ice the size of coins fall from the sky at high speed, or when a wall of wind stronger than a passing car sweeps through. That’s the terrifying reality facing parts of New Hampshire right now.
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Communities in the Crosshairs
The affected areas are no strangers to summer storms, but today’s system is different.
Rockingham County – Towns like Raymond, Deerfield, and Candia are directly in the path.
Strafford County – The southwestern corner, including Barrington, faces a growing threat.
Merrimack County – Communities from Hooksett to Allenstown are bracing for impact.
Local emergency services are already on high alert, ready to respond to fallen trees, blocked roads, and calls from residents trapped or injured.
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The Human Side of the Storm
For many, the shock is not just in the forecast, but in the speed with which the danger arrived.
Morning in New Hampshire began with warmth and sunshine, but by afternoon, clouds had thickened, winds had picked up, and the sky took on that unsettling, greenish hue that experienced locals know too well.
“I was bringing in my laundry when I saw the clouds just rolling in like a dark wave,” said Angela M., a resident of Deerfield. “Within minutes, the wind was howling and the temperature dropped. It’s like the weather turned on us in seconds.”
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Safety First – What Residents Must Do Now
The NWS has stressed immediate safety measures:
Seek shelter indoors immediately. Stay away from windows and glass doors.
Avoid travel until the storm passes. Road hazards and flying debris are real threats.
Secure loose outdoor objects such as patio furniture, grills, and bicycles.
Do not take shelter under trees – falling limbs can be deadly.
If you are driving, pull over to a safe location away from tall structures and remain in your vehicle until conditions improve.
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The Broader Impact
This severe weather event is a sobering reminder of how quickly New England’s climate can shift from calm to chaotic. Meteorologists point to unusually warm, moisture-laden air colliding with a cold front as the main driver behind today’s explosive storm development.
Already, social media is flooding with images of hail-damaged cars, wind-toppled fences, and eerie storm clouds sweeping across the horizon. Local news stations are running continuous updates, urging vigilance until the storm cell moves eastward.
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After the Storm
While the current warning expires at 6:45 p.m., residents should remain alert for additional watches or warnings tonight. In the storm’s aftermath, power outages are expected, and cleanup crews may be working late into the night to restore order.
“Weather like this humbles you,” said Mark R., a Hooksett resident who has lived in New Hampshire for over 40 years. “It’s a reminder that no matter how much we plan, nature always has the final say.”
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Final Words of Urgency
For now, the message is simple: If you’re in the warning zone, take this storm seriously. Seek shelter, stay informed, and keep your loved ones close.
Nature’s power can be breathtaking – but today, in New Hampshire, it’s nothing short of terrifying.
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