Research On 20 April 2024, a storm struck Rock Hill, South Carolina producing high concentrations of severe hail up to 2.25 in. in estimated maximum diameter that damaged structures and 80–90 mph wind gusts that downed trees and powerlines. IBHS collaborated with four member companies and local officials to conduct a post-event damage investigation and…
Abstract On May 24, 2011, a series of thunderstorms that produced significant hail moved through the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and caused an estimated $876.8 million in insured damages to property and automobiles according to the Texas Department of Insurance. The Roofing Industry Committee on Weather Issues (RICOWI), of which the Insurance Institute for Business &…
Research IBHS members have raised concerns over higher hail claims frequencies in the Front Range and High Plains. This report explores possible physical science reasons behind this difference in hail claims for those regions compared to other areas of the Great Plains. Hailstorms in the higher elevations of the Front Range and adjacent High Plains…
Research IBHS is investigating whether large quantities of small hail can lead to notable granule loss on asphalt shingles that would accelerate the decline of a roof’s service life. Preliminary results of this study indicate the following: More granules are lost after weathering of panels vs. storage of panels Granule loss was visible by human…
The IBHS Hail Field Study conducts annual field research operations dedicated to studying hailstorms. The program goals are: To provide data to guide and improve laboratory hail testing. To map hailswaths to help verify and improve radar-based hail detection. To determine the environmental conditions that influence hail strength, hailstone concentrations, and ultimately the impact to…
Believed to be the largest hailstone ever to have fallen in Alabama, and one of the three largest ever documented east of the Mississippi river. At 5⅜ inches (13.665 cm) at its largest measurement and approximately 0.6125 or ⅝ of a pound, its total volume was approximately 20 cubic inches. The hailstone fell during a…
Impact-Resistant Shingle Performance Ratings Consumers deserve to have confidence that shingles labeled as impact resistant live up to expectations. IBHS and its members recognized the growing problem of hail damage in large regions of the United States and have devoted years to field and lab research to develop a new test standard for impact resistance.…
Resources to help property owners prepare for hailstorms.
Data from the 2019 CoCoRaHS Reanalysis Summary is available to Members for download.
Data from the Hail Frequency Analysis 2008-2017 is available to Members for download.