Hail Alley: The States With the Most Hail Risk

Located in the central United States, Hail Alley is a well-known hotspot for severe weather events, particularly hailstorms, which can cause considerable damage to structures and significantly impact commercial real estate. This area experiences a higher frequency of such events compared to other parts of the country, making it an area of focus for property owners and investors. 

Those with assets in this region must adopt a proactive approach to manage and mitigate hail risk effectively. Protecting these investments requires an understanding of the typical weather patterns and the potential costs of hail damage, both of which can affect property value and operational continuity. 

In this blog post, we delve into the meteorological details behind Hail Alley and take a look at some key facts and figures.

Where is Hail Alley, and Why Does It Get So Much Hail?

Hail Alley is a swath of the United States stretching from Texas to South Dakota, known for its distinction as the area facing the highest frequency of hail storms. Comprising states like Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, and South Dakota, this region is no stranger to impacts, averaging seven to nine significant hail days per year, with many more smaller swaths pocketing the area throughout the year.

Its reputation for being one of the most hail-prone areas in the country means those within its bounds must prepare and protect against the regular occurrence of these potentially damaging weather events. Take a look at our Hail Alley map to visualize the area:

In Hail Alley, the unique geographical and climatic conditions prime the region for frequent and intense hailstorms. The area is characterized by the meeting of warm, moist air rising from the Gulf of Mexico with cooler air descending from the Rocky Mountains, which creates optimal conditions for the development of thunderstorms, particularly supercells, which are highly organized and often severe. Supercells are notorious for their potential to spawn severe weather events, including tornadoes and formidable hailstorms.

The process that leads to hail formation begins with the significant temperature differences between the heated ground-level air and the much colder air above. This discrepancy results in strong updrafts that efficiently transport water droplets upward into extremely cold areas of the atmosphere. Here, the droplets freeze and begin to form layers of ice, growing in size as more water freezes onto the surface of the developing hailstone. The cycle of the droplet being carried up and down by the storm's updraft and downdraft continues until the hailstone becomes too heavy, finally falling to the ground as hail.

This frequent occurrence of extreme temperature gradients, along with Hail Alley's geographic susceptibility to supercells, magnifies the likelihood and frequency of hailstorms in the region. Given these factors, the area is centered in one of the most hail-prone zones in the entire United States, leading to significant weather-related challenges for residents and property owners alike.

States with the Most Hail

In 2023, there were 1,123 major hail events reported, showcasing the significant impact of severe weather across the United States. Texas led the rankings for states with the most hail, followed closely by Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, and Missouri. Although Missouri is not traditionally considered a part of Hail Alley, parts of the state encounter weather conditions similar to those within Hail Alley, leading to a notable incidence of hail events.

Interestingly, while Colorado does not lead in the number of hail events annually, it is distinguished by having the highest hail losses per capita. The state sees expected annual losses of $30 per capita, amounting to a total of $151.5 million in damages. This high figure underscores the particular vulnerability of Colorado to costly hail damage, despite having fewer events than some other states.

The Biggest Hail on Record

The official records for hailstone size within the U.S. include a hailstone from Vivian, South Dakota, recorded on July 23, 2010, with a diameter of 8.0 inches, a circumference of 18.625 inches, and a weight of 1.9375 pounds. Another significant hailstone fell in Aurora, Nebraska, on June 22, 2003, measuring 7.0 inches in diameter and 18.75 inches in circumference. Additionally, a hailstone from Potter, Nebraska, on July 6, 1928, matched the diameter of Aurora's but weighed 1.5 pounds.

Hail with a diameter of just half an inch can damage some building materials, and at just 2 inches in diameter, hail damages most building materials typically used in U.S. construction. Hailstones in Hail Alley can grow much larger than that, posing severe risks to structures, vehicles, and agriculture in these regions.

Managing Hail Risk in Hail Alley and Beyond

Owning commercial properties, particularly in regions like Hail Alley, calls for a proactive, multifaceted approach towards mitigating hail damage, including:

• Protective materials — Make informed decisions about the materials you employ to protect your investments. Installing impact-resistant roofing materials is a foundational step in minimizing the detrimental effects of hail impacts.
• Regular inspections — Inspections play a vital role in early detection of vulnerabilities such as loose shingles or compromised structural integrity, so working with experts to conduct these assessments is imperative.
• Insurance — Ensure you have adequate insurance coverage that is specifically tailored for hail damage. This involves becoming familiar with common hail damage insurance terms to avoid any surprises in your policy.