1. Nebraska hail reports by month from 1955 to 2015
Roof hail damage in the month of June takes the lead with over 31%, followed by May in second place with 21%, and July securing the third spot with 19%.
2. May 26, 2000: Norfolk, Nebraska
The city of Norfolk experienced a hailstorm that resulted in property damage exceeding $10 million.
Hailstones the size of golf balls wreaked havoc on roofs, windows, vehicles, and crops throughout the affected region.
3. June 22, 2003: Aurora, Nebraska
On June 22, 2003, a storm near Aurora made history by producing the largest hailstone ever documented in the state and the largest circumference ever measured.
This remarkable hailstone measured 7 inches in diameter and had a circumference of 18.75 inches, solidifying its place as the most significant recorded size in Nebraska.
4. Costliest hailstorm in Nebraska’s history
On June 3, 2014, Pilger, Nebraska, was struck by a catastrophic hailstorm that inflicted widespread destruction on homes, businesses, and vehicles.
The hailstones — reaching sizes comparable to baseballs — caused extensive damage throughout the community.
This devastating event led to Nebraska’s largest insurance payout in history, surpassing $400 million in estimated damages.
5. Nebraska ranks among the top 5 states for most hail events per year
With an annual expected loss of $50.8 million in building damage and population impact, Nebraska held the second highest hail risk in the U.S. in 2022.
6. June 10, 2014: Hail damages Nebraska vineyards
The Nebraska wine industry suffered significant setbacks as severe hailstorms battered vineyards, resulting in extensive damage to grapevines crucial for winemaking.
The hailstorm’s impact on these vineyards caused a decline in production and potential financial losses for vineyard owners in Nebraska.
7. Nebraska was No. 2 for most hail events in 2022
Among the top five states, Nebraska claimed the 2nd position in terms of major hail events.
With a total of 399 hail events recorded, Nebraska closely trailed Texas, which led with 458 events.
Minnesota followed closely behind Nebraska with 387 hail events.
8. Nebraska was No. 2 in the US for hail damage risk
A hailstorm in June 2023 destroyed a large solar panel field near Scottsbluff, Nebraska, leading to significant financial losses amounting to millions of dollars.
The cause of the damage was the impact of baseball-sized hailstones.
10. 2022 damages in Nebraska
Hail played a substantial role in contributing to the $4.6 billion in natural disaster damage experienced by Nebraska.
11. The bigger the hailstone, the faster it falls
Hailstones measuring 1 to 1.75 inches in diameter fall at velocities ranging from 25 to 40 mph, while larger hailstones the size of baseballs can reach speeds exceeding 100 mph as they descend.
12. Largest hailstone in the US history
On June 23, 2010, Vivian, South Dakota witnessed the largest recorded hailstone, measuring 8 inches in diameter, with a circumference of 18.62 inches, and weighing 1 lb. 5 oz.
13. Part of ‘Hail Alley’
The region where Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming converge, commonly referred to as “Hail Alley,” is recognized as the area in North America where hail occurrences are most prevalent.
14. Hailstone size
Hailstones that exceed 1 inch in diameter are classified as “severe.”
15. Hail duration
Typically, hailstorms persist for a duration ranging from a few minutes up to 15 minutes.
16. Hail detection device
By utilizing radar, hail can be detected effectively.
NSSL’s Hydrometeor Classification Algorithm (HCA) employs a dual-polarization technology that enables automated categorization of ten distinct types of radar echoes, distinguishing between large raindrops and hail.
17. March, 2023: Analysis by State Farm
In 2022, the company experienced a significant increase in hail claims, resulting in a payout of over $3.5 billion, which was more than $1 billion higher than the previous year.
This increase in claims, along with inflation, contributed to the higher payout amount.
State Farm’s top states for hail claims included Minnesota, Texas, Arkansas, Illinois, and Nebraska.
18. 2019 hail loss claims
According to the Insurance Information Institute’s rankings of states with the highest hail loss claims in 2019, Nebraska was No. 3 with a total of 56,897 loss claims.
19. Hail season
While the most active hail season in Nebraska is May through June, hail can fall as late as September and October.
Check out the infographic form of this blog post here!
