| Hail forms when the winds in a storm called updrafts are strong enough to push through the freezing level of a storm. If an updraft extends far above the freezing level, then raindrops and water vapor can freeze. Frozen water droplets can blow around to different parts of a storm, and accumulate more water and re-freeze many times before it is heavy enough to fall to the ground. |  |
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When large hail falls with strong winds, it can become a deadly projectile. Ranchers across America tell stories about hail storms that had killed their cattle because they were trapped in an open field during a thunderstorm. Scientists commissioned by the
National Geographic television channel studying the remains of 200 people buried in
Himalayas dating from the 9th century found that Giant hail apparently killed them.
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| Photo on right: Aggregate hailstone. Large hailstone with smaller stones visible. Ruler shows radius of this remarkable hail stone. Diameter is approximately 6 inches - the size of a grapefruit. Credit: NOAA Photo Library, NOAA Central Library |  |
