GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -How Hail Forms. Hail forms when a thunderstorm updraft lifts a water droplet above the freezing level in the atmosphere. The frozen water droplet then accretes super-cooled water or water vapor, which freezes once it comes in contact with the frozen droplet. This process causes a hailstone to grow.

Detailed explanation-2: -While not as frequent as lightning or damaging wind gusts, hail from thunderstorms is certainly a threat. Hail needs the right conditions to form. First, it needs below-freezing air aloft, then strong updrafts from thunderstorms.

Detailed explanation-3: -In fact, damage from hail is among the top homeowners claims each year, with approximately one in 35 homes reporting a claim. Hailstorms can cause dents in aluminum siding, shingles and gutters or even crack vinyl siding, asphalt roofs or wood shakes.

Detailed explanation-4: -Wind-driven hail can tear up siding on houses, break windows and blow into houses, break side windows on cars, and cause severe injury and/or death to people and animals.