Hail Storm Freaks of Nature: The Power of Giant Hailstones – Watch the Video
Nature can be as terrifying as it is fascinating, and few weather events demonstrate this better than a powerful hailstorm. A newly released video compilation reveals extreme hail events from around the world, featuring massive hailstones, destructive storm fronts, and even a recreation of the largest hailstone ever officially recorded.
The footage showcases some of the most dramatic hailstorm moments caught on camera:
- Softball-sized hailstones crashing through roofs, shattering windows, and damaging vehicles
- Sideways-flying “bullet hail” driven by fierce winds
- Complete whiteouts in the middle of summer caused by blankets of ice
- Terrifying storm clouds forming supercells capable of producing deadly hail
The highlight of the video is a recreation of the world’s largest hailstone, officially recorded in Vivian, South Dakota, USA, in 2010. That hailstone measured an astonishing 20.3 cm (8 inches) in diameter and weighed nearly 0.9 kg (2 pounds). Scientists reported that it fell at speeds exceeding 100 km/h, making it powerful enough to cause fatal injuries upon impact.
What Causes Giant Hail?
Hail forms inside thunderstorm updrafts—columns of rising air that carry raindrops high into freezing layers of the atmosphere. The stronger the updraft, the larger the hailstone can grow before gravity forces it to fall. Supercell storms, often known as “hail factories,” can produce hailstones large enough to leave craters in the ground or punch holes in aircraft.
Extreme hailstorms cause billions of dollars in damage every year, particularly in the United States, Australia, and central Europe. From smashed rooftops to destroyed crops, hail remains one of the most dangerous weather phenomena.
The video serves as both a gripping visual experience and a reminder of the raw power of nature. Viewers are encouraged to seek shelter immediately during hailstorms and avoid staying outdoors, especially when hail reaches dangerous sizes.
