Understanding Hail and Its Impact
As bands of thunderstorms have made their way across North Texas in recent weeks, hail has repeatedly been one of the forecast hazards.
Related: Thousands across North Texas without power as storms blow through the region
Lots of counties in the western part of the region have seen significant hail fall, including several reports of hail over 2 inches in diameter in storms at the start of June.
Curious where hail comes from or how to protect yourself when it arrives? Read more below:
D-FW Weather Wise
How Hail Forms
When a raindrop is carried by a thunderstorm updraft to an extremely cold part of the atmosphere, it will freeze and create a small hailstone. It grows in size as other liquid water droplets collide with the hail and freeze onto the surface, according to the National Severe Storms Laboratory.
When the updraft can no longer support the weight of the hail, or the gust weakens, the hailstones will be dropped from the sky. Surface winds can also impact the angle at which hail falls, sometimes causing it to make impact diagonally or horizontally.
Comparison to Other Frozen Precipitation
Snow forms when water vapor freezes into ice without ever being a liquid. Snow can sometimes then turn into graupel, which are soft pellets that form when water droplets freeze on the exterior of a snowflake.
Sleet forms from the freezing of rain droplets that do not grow in size. If sleet or graupel collect extra ice on their exterior, they can become hail. Hailstones must be at least 0.2 inches in size.
Hail Size Guide
Hail is often discussed in reference to the size of common objects. Here’s a guide from the National Weather Service’s Fort Worth office:
| Reference object | Measurement (inches) |
|---|---|
| Pea Size | 0.25 |
| Marble Size (Plain M&M) | 0.50 |
| Penny Size | 0.75 |
| Nickel Size | 0.88 |
| Quarter Size | 1.00 |
| Half Dollar/Ping Pong Ball Size | 1.50 |
| Golf Ball Size | 1.75 |
| Hen Egg Size | 2.00 |
| Tennis Ball Size | 2.50 |
| Baseball Size | 2.75 |
| Grapefruit Size | 4.00 |
| Softball Size | 4.50 |
Hail Damage Threshold
To be considered severe, hailstones must be at least one inch in diameter. Multiple auto body shops or roofing companies with pages about hail similarly say that hail one inch in diameter or greater is generally the threshold to require repairs.
Safety Precautions During a Hail Storm
The U.S. Forest Service said for those enjoying the outdoors when caught in a hailstorm, it is important to seek immediate shelter. If it is not possible to protect one’s entire body, one should focus on the head.
If driving, the forest service recommends pulling over and waiting inside the car for the hail to pass. It suggests avoiding parking near large trees in case other storm hazards cause them to fall over. Nationwide Insurance said it is important not to park under overpasses, which can flood. It also recommends getting on the floor or backseat of a car face-down to avoid getting hit by broken glass.
A garage is the best way to protect a car against hail, but thick blankets or mats can also help soften the landing if covered parking isn’t available.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hail can be a significant threat to people and property, especially when it reaches severe sizes. Understanding how hail forms, its comparison to other frozen precipitation, and knowing the size guide can help individuals prepare and take necessary precautions. By following safety guidelines and taking steps to protect vehicles and property, individuals can minimize the impact of hail storms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is hail and how is it formed?
A: Hail is a form of precipitation that occurs when updrafts in thunderstorms carry water droplets up into the freezing level of the atmosphere, where they freeze into small balls of ice. As the hailstones fall, they may pass through additional layers of supercooled water droplets, which freeze onto the hailstones, increasing their size.
Q: How big can hail get?
A: Hail can range in size from very small pea-sized hail to large hailstones that can be several inches in diameter. The largest hailstones are typically associated with severe thunderstorms and can cause significant damage to people, animals, and property.
Q: What is the difference between hail, sleet, and freezing rain?
A: Hail forms when updrafts in thunderstorms carry water droplets up into the freezing level of the atmosphere, where they freeze into small balls of ice. Sleet forms when snowflakes fall through a layer of warm air, causing them to melt into raindrops, which then pass through a layer of cold air, freezing into ice pellets. Freezing rain forms when snowflakes fall through a layer of warm air, causing them to melt into raindrops, which then pass through a layer of cold air, freezing onto surfaces as a layer of clear ice.
Q: How can I protect myself and my property from hail?
A: To protect yourself and your property from hail, it is essential to stay indoors during a hail storm, avoid driving or traveling, and seek shelter in a sturdy building or a hard-topped vehicle. You can also protect your property by installing hail-resistant roofing materials, covering windows and doors with plywood or shutters, and parking your vehicle in a garage or under a covered area.
