HILLSBORO, Ala. - A sudden and powerful thunderstorm in Northern Alabama on Saturday caught attendees of a gathering off guard, forcing them to run for shelter. The storm, which erupted around 1 p.m. local time, unleashed heavy rainfall, cloud-to-ground lightning, and destructive wind gusts, causing a large bounce house to go airborne.

Joshua Cofield, an eyewitness, captured the shocking event on his cellphone. In the video, families can be seen scrambling for cover as the strong gusts lift the bounce house from right to left across the gathering area. Fortunately, while some attendees suffered scrapes from a collapsed tent, everyone managed to escape the chaotic scene unharmed.

The storm, which appeared unexpectedly on radar as a small green spot, intensified within minutes, catching attendees by surprise. According to Cofield, the wind picked up rapidly, resulting in the powerful gust that sent the bounce house into the air.

The severe thunderstorm in Hillsboro was part of a larger weather system that prompted the Storm Prediction Center to issue a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for several states including Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Forecasters warned of wind gusts reaching up to 70 mph and the potential for hail the size of ping pong balls.

This incident involving the airborne bounce house is not an isolated incident. Just weeks ago, during a Southern Maryland Blue Crabs baseball game, a similar incident occurred resulting in the tragic death of a 5-year-old boy and injuries to other children. The inflatable bounce house was dislodged by a sudden wind gust, causing children to fall out.

Experts at the University of Georgia have conducted a study revealing the dangers associated with bounce houses. Since 2000, nearly 500 people have been injured and 28 fatalities have been reported in bounce house-related incidents. However, these figures are believed to be an undercount due to insufficient documentation.

As authorities continue to investigate these incidents, it is essential for event organizers and families to exercise caution when utilizing bounce houses and ensure they are securely anchored to prevent any further accidents.

The unexpected and violent weather in Hillsboro serves as a reminder of the importance of staying informed about severe thunderstorm warnings and being prepared for sudden weather changes.