Fierce thunderstorms struck Palm Beach County during the afternoon of Monday, May 5, 2025, bringing winds up to 55 mph, hail the size of quarters and golf balls, and widespread storm damage across communities including Lake Worth, Boynton Beach, and Wellington.
Sudden storm hits after dry spell
After experiencing the fifth-driest April on record, the region saw an abrupt reversal as heavy rainfall arrived with a stationary front stalled over Central Florida, triggering intense weather conditions.
Lake Worth: hail and high winds lash neighborhoods
At approximately 2:45 p.m., Lake Worth residents witnessed an intense downburst. Julia Ray, a viewer for WPTV, captured an image of hailstones pelting the ground, a striking sign of the storm’s force. The National Weather Service later confirmed wind gusts reaching 52 mph and quarter-sized hail in the vicinity of Lake Worth Road, where reports included uprooted trees, scattered palm fronds, and street-clogging debris.
Wellington: tree damage and debris concerns
The Village of Wellington also suffered notable damage. WPTV’s Michael Hoffman reported seeing a large uprooted tree near the roundabout on 120th Avenue South and Pierson Road. In response, Village Manager Jim Barnes stated that Public Works crews had been dispatched quickly to begin clearing roads and public spaces, while building inspectors surveyed affected areas.
Local authorities have reminded residents to secure any storm-related debris and place it out for pickup on their next regularly scheduled collection day.
Boynton Beach: golf ball-sized hail hits Lyons and Hypoloxo
Another viewer, Tony Sotallaro, shared a striking image of hailstones the size of golf balls near the intersection of Lyons Road and Southwest Hypoloxo Road. The extreme hail impacted vehicles and landscaping, adding to the trail of damage left by the storm system.
