10 Wild Hailstorms That Caused Millions in Damage
A look at the most destructive hailstorms that left a mark on history and caused immense financial loss.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Hailstorms can wreak havoc, not only with their sheer power but also with the damage they leave in their wake. These 10 hailstorms stand out for their intensity and the millions of dollars they caused in property and agricultural damage. Discover how nature’s icy fury has disrupted communities and economies, leading to widespread destruction and recovery challenges.
1. Texas’ Devastating 2021 Hailstorm
jillccarlson on Wikimedia Commons
This storm hit Texas in April 2021 with hailstones the size of baseballs, damaging homes, cars, and crops. The storm’s path of destruction spanned miles, leaving a trail of financial loss that reached millions of dollars. The force of the hail left communities scrambling for repairs and recovery.
2. The 2010 Denver Hailstorm
Len Edgerly from Denver, USA on Wikimedia Commons
The July 2010 storm in Denver unleashed hailstones as big as softballs, causing an estimated $200 million in damages. Vehicles, rooftops, and agricultural lands bore the brunt of its force, leading to one of the most costly hailstorms in U.S. history. Recovery took months as insurance claims flooded in.
3. A Historic Storm in Argentina, 2009
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Argentina faced one of its worst hailstorms in 2009 when hailstones the size of tennis balls pounded several provinces. This rare event left behind millions in crop damage, devastating farmers. The storm was not only a weather anomaly but also a stark reminder of how unpredictable nature can be.
4. Munich’s 2013 Hailstorm
James St. John on Wikimedia Commons
In 2013, Munich was struck by a severe hailstorm that left extensive damage to residential and commercial properties. The size of the hailstones caught many by surprise, leading to repair costs that exceeded 100 million euros. The city had to rebuild not just structures but also the trust in its storm protection measures.
5. The 2016 Calgary Hailstorm
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Calgary’s 2016 hailstorm set a record with 4.5 cm-wide hailstones, causing more than $500 million in damages. The storm’s intensity overwhelmed the city’s infrastructure, and the aftermath included thousands of insurance claims. The event was a shocking reminder of how hailstorms can leave a lasting impact on urban environments.
6. India’s 2010 Hailstorm Devastation
Ashish Gupta on Wikimedia Commons
In 2010, India experienced an intense hailstorm that battered the northern regions, with hailstones the size of golf balls. The agricultural loss was enormous, as crops were ruined across vast areas. This storm highlighted farmers’ vulnerability to unexpected weather events and the critical need for better forecasting and protection.
7. The 2017 Melbourne Hailstorm
Shiny Things on Wikimedia Commons
Melbourne’s 2017 hailstorm was infamous for the damage it caused to vehicles, with thousands of cars suffering broken windows and dents. The storm also caused widespread power outages and property damage. Recovery efforts were extensive as residents and businesses dealt with the aftermath.
8. 2005 Beijing Hailstorm
ZMAlam on Wikimedia Commons
Beijing was hit by a massive hailstorm in 2005, which disrupted daily life and caused widespread panic. Hailstones the size of golf balls smashed windows and vehicles, while heavy rain caused flooding. The storm’s destructive power led to billions in damages and left the city grappling with its aftermath.
9. 2014 Calgary
Silar on Wikimedia Commons
In 2014, Calgary was hit by a sudden hailstorm that caught many by surprise. The hailstones ranged from golf ball to baseball size, damaging roofs and cars across the city. The storm left behind an estimated $50 million in damages and became a reminder of how unpredictable severe weather can be.
10. The 2015 Salt Lake City Hailstorm
jillccarlson on Wikimedia Commons
Salt Lake City was struck by a vicious hailstorm in 2015, resulting in widespread property damage. Large hailstones badly damaged cars, roofs, and windows, leading to recovery costs that topped $100 million. The event highlighted the importance of weather preparedness and building resilient structures in hail-prone areas.