Hail is a type of precipitation that consists of small, hard pellets of ice. Hail can form in thunderstorms when updrafts carry water droplets high into the atmosphere, where they freeze. Hailstones can grow in size as they fall back to the ground, and some hailstorms can produce hailstones that are as large as baseballs.
Rivers of Hail
On May 10, 2023, a severe weather system moved through Colorado, producing heavy rain, hail, and tornadoes. In Aurora, Colorado, half-dollar-sized hail piled up on the streets, making the scene look more like winter.
Drone footage captured from above showed the streets of Aurora covered in hail. The hail was so thick that it looked like rivers of ice flowing through the city.
The hail caused damage to cars and homes, and some residents were stranded in their homes. However, there were no reports of serious injuries.
Climate Change and Hail
Climate change is making hailstorms more common and severe. As the Earth’s temperature warms, the atmosphere can hold more moisture. This leads to stronger updrafts, which can produce larger hailstorms.
In addition, warmer temperatures can cause hailstorms to form earlier in the year and to last longer. This can increase the amount of damage that hailstorms cause.
What Can we Do to Protect Ourselves From Hail?
There are a few things that you can do to protect yourself from hail:
- Be aware of the weather forecast. If hail is predicted, stay indoors or in a safe place.
- Cover your car with a hail-proof cover.
- Park your car in a garage or under a carport.
- Bring your pets indoors.
If you are caught in a hail storm, try to find shelter. If you are in a car, pull over to the side of the road and wait for the storm to pass.
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