Will Climate Change Lead to More Severe Hailstorms in Texas

According to the National Weather Service, North Texas typically experiences two to three hail days per year.¹ However, hail causes some of the most expensive damage. For the last 25 years, Texas has suffered 36 disasters that lead to over $100 million in damages. Five were tornadoes, while 29 disasters were hailstorms.² That cost could go up as the hailstorms in Texas become more severe in the coming years, possibly due to climate change.

Our movers in North Texas stay up to date with the latest community news so we can keep ourselves and our customers informed. In this article, our North Texas residential movers examine how climate change might lead to more severe hailstorms and how residents can protect themselves and their property.

 

Hail and Climate Change

While scientists are often hesitant to say specific storms are the result of climate change, extensive data collected throughout the decades has made it easier for researchers to identify trends. In their most recent annual report, the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society published “Explaining Extreme Events in 2018 From a Climate Perspective.” In this peer-reviewed report, researches broke down 21 extreme weather events that happened last year, including a particularly destructive hailstorm that hit Dallas-Fort Worth on June 6.³

After that summer storm system and its large hail passed through, an estimated 20,00 structures and 25,000 vehicles were damaged, particularly in the suburbs of Coppell and Carrollton. According to the meteorological report, research shows that there is “some indication of more intense hailstorms in a warming climate.” ⁴ However, it is important to note that due to the small number of hailstorms and their short-lived nature, it is hard to collect significant amounts of data compared to bigger storm systems like hurricanes. Rising damage costs could be more due to population growth instead of larger hail.

 

How to Protect Yourself From Hailstorms in Texas

Regardless of what causes the severe hailstorms in Texas, it is best to stay protected. Here are 3 ways to stay safe and protected during a hailstorm.

1. Stay Indoors – While hailstones can be big or small depending on the severity of the storm system, they can still cause harm to most people and things caught up in them. If a warning for a hailstorm has been issued, park your vehicles inside a garage if you can and make sure you, your family, and your pets are inside your home.
2. Shutter Your Windows – The best way to prevent broken glass is to install impact-resistant windows. However, if you don’t have those, closing your storm shutters will also provide ample protection. If you don’t have those, close all your curtains and shades to prevent as much broken glass from entering your home as possible. Relocate your family to a windowless basement if you can.
3. Stay Informed ­– Storm systems that bring hail often also bring other severe weather events like thunderstorms and tornadoes. Pay attention to your local weather report and listen for community-wide alerts and warnings. If you are in an area prone to these serious weather events, prepare a disaster survival kit and emergency evacuation plan beforehand.

While hailstorms typically come two to three days annually, the weather in North Texas is warm and pleasant for most of the year – a top reason, among many, to move to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. If you make that decision, our North Texas local movers and Texas long distance movers are here to ensure your move is hassle-free. Take advantage of our highly-rated and cost-effective North Texas relocation services. Contact us or call us today for a FREE quote!

 

 

Sources

1. National Weather Service – DFW Climate Narrative
2. Matthew Cappucci, The Washington Post – Hail, not tornadoes, is the most expensive severe storm hazard in Texas. And it could get hit hard Wednesday.
3. Loyd Brumfield, The Dallas Morning News – Overnight hailstorm is Dallas-Fort Worth’s most expensive this year
4. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society – Explaining Extreme Events in 2018 From a Climate Perspective