WEATHER
What is ‘gorilla hail’ and how much damage can it do?
Traffic was brought to a standstill in parts of Kansas and Missouri as residents were told to remain out of the storm by weather experts.
Stay at home! That was the message coming loud and hard from meteorologists on Wednesday night for residents across the states of Kansas and Missouri. The reason for the communication was due to the storms that were battering the area, with tornadoes reported in the counties of Wabaunsee and Shawnee. And there were some rather scary hailstones also reported in the midwestern region.
When it comes to severe weather, a phenomenon known as ‘gorilla hail’ has emerged, capturing attention for its monstrous size and devastating impact. These colossal ice pellets, resembling grapefruits in size or even larger, have garnered attention for their destructive potential. But what exactly is gorilla hail, how is it formed, and what havoc does it wreak?
How does ‘gorilla hail’ form?
The term, as I’ve said, refers to exceptionally large hailstones, typically exceeding four inches (10 centimetres) in diameter. These mammoth ice balls are not your run-of-the-mill hailstones; they pack a punch that can damage a number of things that get in their path. From smashing windshields to pummeling crops, gorilla hail poses a significant threat during severe weather events.
The formation of gorilla hail follows the same principles as regular hailstones. It begins with the upward movement of warm, moist air within severe thunderstorms. As these updrafts carry water droplets higher into the atmosphere, they encounter freezing temperatures at high altitudes. These supercooled water droplets then coalesce around nuclei, forming hailstones. However, what sets gorilla hail apart is the intensity and duration of the storm, allowing these hailstones to grow to exceptional sizes before plummeting to the ground.
How much damage can ‘gorilla hail’ cause?
The damage inflicted by gorilla hail can be catastrophic. Buildings, vehicles, crops, and even livestock are vulnerable to its wrath. Roofs can be punctured, windows shattered, and crops decimated in a matter of minutes.
The financial toll of such events can be staggering, with insurance claims skyrocketing in affected areas. Moreover, the threat to human safety during these storms cannot be overlooked, as falling gorilla hailstones pose a serious risk of injury or even death.
Where did the name ‘gorilla hail’ come from?
The term is said to have originated from a storm chaser by the name of Reed Timmer, who likened the extreme icy stones to the large, and physically imposing animal. And just like the prospect of finding yourself in a field full of wild, out-of-control gorillas, the advice is it is better to avoid the situation and lock yourself indoors. Stay safe, people.