What is Hail?
Hail is a type of precipitation that consists of balls or lumps of ice called hailstones. These stones are formed within severe thunderstorms when updrafts carry raindrops into extremely cold areas of the atmosphere, causing them to freeze and form hailstones. Hailstones can range in size from pea-sized to as large as a grapefruit.
How is Hail Formed?
Hail is formed when supercooled water droplets freeze on contact with condensation nuclei, such as dust or salt particles, within a thunderstorm. As the hailstone is lifted by the updrafts, it may be carried into and out of the freezing level several times, adding layers of ice to the stone and increasing its size. Once the hailstone becomes too heavy for the updrafts to support, it falls to the ground.
Impact of Hail
Hailstorms can cause significant damage to crops, homes, vehicles, and other structures. In the United States alone, hail causes billions of dollars in damage each year. The size of the hailstones and the intensity of the storm can greatly impact the extent of the damage.
Examples of Hailstorms
One of the most destructive hailstorms in recent history occurred in Denver, Colorado, in 2017. The storm produced hailstones the size of baseballs, causing extensive damage to cars, homes, and businesses. Another notable hailstorm took place in Sydney, Australia, in 1999, where hailstones as large as tennis balls fell from the sky, resulting in widespread damage.
Protecting Against Hail
There are various ways to protect against hail damage, such as installing impact-resistant roofing materials, securing outdoor furniture and vehicles during a storm, and having adequate insurance coverage. Being prepared and taking preventive measures can help mitigate the impact of hailstorms.
