Although tornadoes and hurricanes tend to dominate news weather coverage, hail is nothing to shake a stick at in terms of weather events that cause widespread damage.
Recently a hailstorm in Texas destroyed dozens of commercial and residential rooftops, with some hailstones even managing to rip through roofs, landing at the feet of the unsuspecting individuals inside. We can't stop hail but we can protect ourselves from its sometimes devastating effects by understanding it—and doing our best to build roofs that are built to resist it.
For states most prone to hail storms, the events often occur during the afternoon and evening hours between the months of March and October. However, hail's "heavy season" runs from May through September.
Whenever there is high moisture content in the air coupled with thunderstorm clouds as well as freezing temperatures within those clouds, hail is a possibility.
Source: NOAA website
While hailstorms are most commonly associated with “Hail Alley,” the area consisting of Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming, hail can happen just about anywhere. In fact, it may surprise you to know that some of the most severe hail damage has happened outside these states. Here’s a look at 2017 hail damage estimates as reported by analytics firm Verisk, which provides data for insurance companies.
Large Hail Reports by Location During 2019
Source: NOAA website
From 2013 to 2017 the estimated US properties affected by hail is greater than 10.5 million per year on average.
Hail can have a big impact on your roof – and your finances. Download our essential homeowner’s guide for an in-depth understanding of the damage hail can cause and how you can protect yourself from it.
Our guide will help you:
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