Hail is more costly and destructive than tornadoes, prompting the launch of the largest field study ever to focus on studying this weather phenomenon. The new project, named ICECHIP, will involve around 100 researchers working in the central U.S. in May and June. The study aims to advance scientific understanding of hail and its impact, which can include damage to homes, vehicles, crops, and infrastructure.
Hailstorms have caused significant financial losses in the United States, totaling $46 billion in 2023. The last major research campaign on hail took place over 40 years ago, highlighting the urgent need for new studies. The U.S. Central Plains and the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains are particularly prone to hailstorms, known as “hail alleys.”
The ICECHIP project, funded by an $11 million grant from the National Science Foundation, aims to collect valuable data that could improve hailstorm prediction and address key questions related to climate change and hail frequency. The researchers hope to work closely with various stakeholders, including insurance companies, roofing companies, and farmers, to mitigate the impact of hailstorms.
The project represents a “renaissance moment” for hail science, according to Becky Adams-Selin, one of the co-leaders of the study. The researchers will use a variety of instruments and techniques to study hail processes in thunderstorms, with the goal of advancing scientific knowledge and benefiting those affected by hail events.
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