A front of nearly simultaneous storms brought water, wind and hailstones the size of hazelnuts two days ago to the areas of Les Garrigues, Pla d'Urgell and Segrià in the province of Lleida, causing significant damage to the fruit orchards. It was the tenth hailstorm that hit Lleida's fields this season.
The most affected municipalities were Sudanell, Sunyer, Alfès, Seròs, Torres de Segre and Alcarràs (Segrià), Les Borges Blanques, Puiggrós, Arbeca and Juneda (Garrigues), Mollerussa, Vila-sana and Miralcamp (Pla d'Urgell). Some of these towns had already been affected by hailstorms since late May.
The number of hectares affected has not yet been quantified, but according to Xavier Gorgues, head for fresh fruit of the Growers Union (UP), the losses will be substantial in areas where hail has fallen more intensely, where the main crops affected are stonefruit varieties, such as nectarines, flat peaches and early peaches, whose harvest seasons are currently in full swing.
Source - http://www.freshplaza.com/
