In Cedar Park, Texas, a quiet Tuesday afternoon turned chaotic as a severe hailstorm unleashed its fury on the city just north of Austin, leaving residents shaken and properties battered. The storm, which struck on May 27, 2025, pelted neighborhoods with hailstones as large as golf balls, some even reaching the size of baseballs, according to eyewitness accounts. For many in Cedar Park, Leander, and Liberty Hill, the event was a jarring reminder of nature’s unpredictability, with some calling it the most intense hailstorm they had ever witnessed. As the storm barreled southeast toward Jollyville, the Arboretum, and the bustling Domain district, it brought not only destructive hail but also the looming threat of tornadoes, prompting urgent warnings from local authorities and the National Weather Service.
The storm’s arrival was swift and unforgiving. By late afternoon, dark clouds loomed over southwestern Williamson County and central Travis County, signaling the onset of a destructive weather event. The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning at 5:55 p.m. CDT, highlighting the risk of three-inch hail and wind gusts up to 60 mph. The alert underscored the danger to people and animals outdoors, warning of potential injuries and widespread damage to roofs, siding, and vehicles. As the storm moved at 25 to 30 mph, it left a trail of chaos, with radar indicating a hail core directly over Cedar Park. Social media platforms buzzed with dramatic images and videos: yards blanketed in white, car windshields cracked, and rooftops pockmarked by the relentless barrage of ice. One resident, posting under the handle @DocumentingATX, urged locals to take cover, warning of “extremely large hail” and winds reaching 70 to 80 mph.
The human toll of the storm was felt deeply in tight-knit communities like Leander and Liberty Hill, where families scrambled to protect their homes and vehicles. In Cedar Park’s Lakeline area, residents reported hailstones hammering outdoor furniture and shattering glass. One homeowner described the sound as “a machine gun firing on my roof,” while another shared a video of hail piling up like snow in their driveway. The storm’s path threatened commercial hubs like the Arboretum and Domain, where businesses braced for potential damage to storefronts and outdoor displays. Emergency services worked tirelessly, advising residents to remain indoors and avoid flooded roads, as heavy rain accompanied the hail, raising concerns about flash flooding in low-lying areas.
Local authorities and weather experts emphasized the storm’s destructive potential, with the National Weather Service labeling it a “destructive storm” for Cedar Park, Anderson Mill, and Jollyville. The threat of tornadoes added urgency to the warnings, though no confirmed touchdowns were reported in the immediate area. The memory of past storms lingered, as Cedar Park had experienced significant hail events in recent years, including a notable storm in April 2023 that brought ping pong ball-sized hail to Jollyville and Granger. This time, the scale of the hail and the intensity of the warnings prompted swift action from residents, many of whom rushed to move cars into garages or under cover.
In the storm’s aftermath, the focus shifted to recovery. Homeowners and vehicle owners were urged to schedule inspections to assess damage, with contractors and insurance agents mobilizing to assist affected residents. The storm’s impact extended beyond physical destruction, stirring a sense of community resilience as neighbors shared stories, offered help, and checked on one another. Local news outlets, including KVUE, provided live updates, with meteorologists like @JDarensbourgWx warning commuters along Highway 183 to delay travel until the hail core passed. The collective response highlighted the strength of Central Texas communities, even as they faced the daunting task of rebuilding.
As Cedar Park and its neighbors begin the process of recovery, the storm serves as a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to severe weather. With the National Weather Service forecasting more thunderstorms through Memorial Day, residents remain vigilant, relying on real-time alerts and community support to navigate the challenges ahead. The scars of the hailstorm—cracked windshields, dented roofs, and rattled nerves—will linger, but so too will the determination to move forward together.
