If you’re a resident of Kansas or Missouri and you experienced the recent hail storms in March, you may have seen reports of gorilla hail in the news. If you’re wondering “What in the world is gorilla hail?” you’re not alone. And where you have questions, we have answers!
As a refresher course on hail, it’s not just rain that freezes on its way down. It’s a little more complicated than that. Hail forms when updrafts from a thunderstorm are so strong that water droplets are carried upward, beyond freezing levels. As hailstones solidify, water continuously freezes to them until they become too heavy to be supported by the updraft winds and fall to the ground. So, the stronger the updraft during a thunderstorm, the larger hail can become.
What is gorilla hail?
The term gorilla hail was coined by meteorologist and renowned storm chaser, Reed Timmer. Gorilla hail, essentially, is abnormally large hail—typically the size of tennis balls or larger.
What kind of damage can gorilla hail do?
Gorilla hail can wreak havoc on vehicles, homes, and other property. Not only that, but it has the potential to cause serious injuries or even fatalities to those caught outdoors during a storm.
As we enter head-on into storm season, it’s important to pay attention to the forecast and have a plan for potentially dangerous or destructive weather conditions. If gorilla hail is in the forecast, it’s best to protect yourself first and worry about property damage later. That means staying inside and away from windows until the storm passes. Gorilla hail is notorious for breaking windows, so it’s best to wait out the storm in your basement or an interior room with no windows, such as a bathroom or closet.
What should I do if my roof is damaged during a hail storm?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot you can do to prevent roof damage when gorilla hail makes an appearance.
If you suspect that your roof was damaged during a hail storm, it’s best to have the professionals check it out. We have the tools and knowledge to complete a thorough assessment of your roof and all of its parts. We can give you a damage report, repair or replacement suggestions, and price estimates.
After a severe storm, it’s always a good idea to have professionals inspect your roof so damage can be caught in its early stages and prevented from getting worse. If you suspect your roof has been damaged in a storm, don’t wait to call in the professionals. At Farha, we complete inspections free of charge, so you can have total peace of mind navigating storm season.
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