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Hailstorm Covers Parts of Bogotá in White, Disrupts Traffic and Airport Operations
A powerful hailstorm swept through parts of Bogotá on Monday, October 5, covering streets, parks and sidewalks in ice and briefly making parts of the city look as if they had been hit by snow. It was hail, not snowfall. The storm brought heavy rain, flooding and travel disruption, prompting emergency responses across several districts.
The storm followed an unusually warm morning. Bogotá authorities reported temperatures reaching about 24°C before rain and hail moved across the capital during the afternoon. The city’s risk-management institute, IDIGER, said the event began around 2:20 p.m. and affected areas including Engativá, Suba, Fontibón and Kennedy. Reports also described hail in other parts of the city.
The hail and intense rainfall caused water to build up on roads, complicating travel. Bogotá’s district government reported five fallen trees, flooded locations, sewage and rainwater backing up in some areas, and damage to lightweight roofs and parking structures. Authorities said response teams were sent to check reports and assist affected areas. No personal injuries had been reported in the district’s initial account.
The weather also disrupted air travel. Colombia’s Civil Aviation Authority ordered a temporary ground stop at El Dorado International Airport because of the storm, reduced visibility and communications problems. A ground stop keeps aircraft on the ground until conditions improve. Local reporting said the interruption lasted more than an hour, contributing to flight delays.
Bogotá officials warned that heavy rain and hail could occur again during October and November. They urged residents to keep roof drains, gutters and rainwater channels clear, avoid standing beneath trees or unstable structures during a storm, and report emergencies through Colombia’s 123 emergency line.
The event drew attention online as videos showed streets and public spaces covered in hail. The white layer in those images was accumulated ice, not snow—a useful distinction when sharing footage or describing the storm.
