Thunderstorms are capable of producing torrential rain, tornadoes, dangerous lightning and incredible damage. One feature of storms that produces more damage than any other, besides flooding, is hail. Hailstones are formed when raindrops are carried upward by the thunderstorm updrafts into extremely cold areas of the atmosphere and freeze. Hailstones then grow by colliding with liquid water drops that freeze onto the hailstone’s surface. The hail falls when the thunderstorm’s updraft can no longer support the weight of the hailstone. Hail can damage aircraft, homes, cars and can be deadly to livestock and people.
Ottawa has had its share of hail storms in the past. One in particular, in 2001, dropped hail as large as softballs in some areas of town, destroying cars, trees and roofs.
Hail is another reason to be inside during thunderstorms. Even small pea size hail can hurt you and can change to larger sizes without warning. Something to remember: outside with hail, time to bail.
