Florida, known for its abundant sunshine and warm climate, experiences frequent thunderstorms and hurricane activity. While many associate the state’s weather with clear skies or heavy rain, hail also occurs.
Hail in Florida: The Reality
Hail does occur in Florida, most commonly from late winter through early summer, aligning with frontal boundaries. In 2023, Florida saw 23 reports of on-the-ground hail by trained spotters. Central Florida, including areas like Orlando and Tampa along the I-4 corridor, experiences heightened hail activity.
Hailstones in Florida typically range from pea-sized to quarter-sized, though golf ball-sized hail is not uncommon during more severe storms. The largest hailstone ever recorded in Florida measured 4.5 inches. While less frequent than in some other regions of the United States, Florida’s severe thunderstorms can produce hail.
Meteorological Conditions for Hail
Hail forms within thunderstorms when strong updrafts carry raindrops high into the atmosphere where temperatures are below freezing. These water droplets then freeze into ice pellets. As these ice pellets fall, they collide with supercooled water droplets, causing additional layers of ice to accumulate on the hailstones. The strength of the thunderstorm’s updraft determines how large hailstones can grow; stronger updrafts suspend hailstones longer, allowing more layers of ice to form.
If the hailstone becomes too heavy for the updraft to support, or if the updraft weakens, gravity pulls it to the ground. Even though Florida has a high frequency of thunderstorms, the freezing level in its storms is often higher, which can cause hail to melt before reaching the ground, leading to fewer large hail events compared to some other states.
Protecting Yourself and Property
Hail can cause damage to personal property and agricultural interests in Florida. Vehicles are susceptible to dents, scratches, and cracked windshields. Homes can sustain damage to roofs, siding, gutters, and windows. Agricultural sectors also face risks, with hailstorms devastating crops, such as ferns and watermelons, leading to economic losses.
To protect vehicles, parking them in a garage or carport offers effective defense. If a garage is unavailable, using a hail-resistant car cover or seeking shelter under sturdy structures like parking garages minimizes damage. Monitoring weather forecasts is important.
For homes, regular roof inspections identify vulnerabilities before a hail event. Installing impact-resistant roofing materials, such as Class 4-rated shingles or metal roofing, provides protection. Securing windows with storm shutters or investing in impact-resistant glass prevents breakage. Trimming trees and clearing gutters are measures that reduce damage during storms. Securing outdoor furniture and loose items prevents them from becoming projectiles.