Shillong, April 3 (NNN): Shillongites woke up to a gloomy morning on Monday followed by the lashing of strong winds coupled with rain and hail. The hail caught people by surprise with pedestrians seen running to nearby shops and bus stands for shelter. The roads were covered with hail which made driving slower and difficult. The roads, fields, gardens, roofs, all were turned white by the gleaming hailstones. This also brought in a sudden chill with the dip in temperatures. However, the same heavy rainfall accompanied by massive hailstones brought misery for many in other parts of the state, as they destroyed crops and houses, rendering many homeless. Cyclonic storm and hailstorm lashed the border villages in Ranikor area in South West Khasi Hills early last Sunday morning damaging more than 300 houses in 11 villages. Official sources informed that the storm started around 3am on Sunday. There was no report of casualties but houses and vehicles were damaged in the hailstorm.