(Des Moines, Iowa) – Hail ranging in size from dimes and ping-pong balls, to apples, fell across parts of central Iowa Friday afternoon, and heavy rain flooded the streets of Des Moines, catching motorists off-guard and resulting in stalled vehicles.  Iowa State Fair officials ordered visitors to the fair to take shelter as the storms passed over the venue at around 2:30-p.m.

Hail reportedly damaged the roof at Valley High School in West Des Moines, flooding the school’s gymnasium. Hail as large as 2 to 3 inches in diameter was reported.

Many vehicle owners reported their windshields and other windows were shattered, and their cars were dented or dimpled, in Clive and West Des Moines. Heavy rain caused flooding at 24th and Hickman, in Des Moines. One motorist who didn’t heed the “Turn around, don’t drown,” message, found themselves stranded in the middle of the intersection, and requiring help from rescue crews. Water surrounded the car up to its hood, according to social media reports.

Ping-pong ball size hail was reported near Grundy Center, with quarter-size hail falling near Steamboat Rock and Holland. There were no reports of injuries.