Storms and hail hit a key avocado production area in the Mexican state of Michoacan on Wednesday, news website Ignaciomartinez.com.mx reported. 

The adverse weather affected orchards in the Uruapan region, which is one of the most productive in Michoacan and ships the fruit to the U.S., Canada and Europe.

Growers in the area have reportedly not yet been able to quantify the damage.

A large number of avocado nurseries are reportedly to be present in the area and were also affected.

Ignaciomartinez.com.mx reported that on Tuesday there was heavy rainfall and hail in the nearby region of Meseta Purhépecha, although the damage to orchards was not as severe. The next day the weather worsened and hit a large area in Uruapan.

Growers reportedly said the hail damaged flowers, leaves and small developing fruit, adding that much of the damage was irreversible.

Many houses in the area also received some damage.

The Association of Avocado Producers and Packers (APEAM) is working to assess the extent of the damage.

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