What is Hail?
Hail is a type of precipitation that consists of balls or irregular lumps of ice that form in strong thunderstorm clouds. These balls of ice are called hailstones and can vary in size from tiny pellets to large, golf ball-sized chunks.
How is Hail Formed?
Hail is formed when supercooled water droplets freeze on contact with condensation nuclei, such as dust or pollen, in a thunderstorm cloud. These frozen droplets continue to grow as they are carried up and down by the strong updrafts and downdrafts within the cloud, eventually becoming too heavy to remain aloft and falling to the ground as hailstones.
Characteristics of Hail
- Hailstones can range in size from less than a centimeter to over 15 centimeters in diameter.
- Hailstones are typically spherical or irregularly shaped and can be clear, opaque, or translucent.
- Hail can cause damage to crops, buildings, vehicles, and aircraft.
Examples of Hailstorms
One of the most destructive hailstorms in history occurred in Sydney, Australia, in 1999 when hailstones the size of tennis balls caused over $2 billion in damages. Another notable hail event took place in Denver, Colorado, in 2017 when baseball-sized hailstones pummeled cars and buildings, resulting in widespread destruction.
Impact of Hail
Each year, hail causes billions of dollars in damage worldwide. In the United States alone, hailstorms cost an average of $1 billion annually in repairs and insurance claims. The agricultural industry is particularly vulnerable to hail damage, with crops such as corn, wheat, and soybeans at risk of being destroyed by large hailstones.
Protecting Against Hail
There are several ways to protect against hail damage, including installing hail-resistant roofing materials, parking vehicles in a garage or under a sturdy shelter, and securing outdoor furniture and equipment during a hailstorm. Insurance policies that cover hail damage can also provide financial protection in the event of a severe storm.
