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US Has a 'Blind Spot' on Severe Storms: Hail
Newser • • business
Key Points:
- Hail is increasingly causing significant financial damage in the US, with an hour of hail over a midsize city potentially causing $1 billion in losses, surpassing tornadoes in economic impact.
- Golf-ball-size hail can be propelled at speeds over 200 mph by tornadoes, leading to severe destruction of crops and property, and driving up insurance premiums, particularly in the Plains region.
- Former NOAA scientist Adam Smith highlights hail as the main factor behind rising living costs in the US heartland, with farmers reporting substantial losses even after insurance compensation.
- Due to federal funding cuts, much of the hail research is now funded by insurance and reinsurance companies, as scientists use specialized equipment to better understand hail dynamics and address data gaps.
- The New York Times article describes hail as America's "billion-dollar blind spot," emphasizing the need for increased attention and resources to mitigate its growing impact.
