Friday, August 25, 2006

Costly or deadly hailstorms

Costly or deadly hailstorms:

Thunderstorm is formed from small hail, compared to a U.S. quarter, a coin with a diameter of 24.26 mm, in San Jose, California.

Hundred pilgrims were killed by a massive hailstorm in Roopkund, Uttaranchal, India in the 18th century. Softball-sized hail destroyed roofs and cars causing $625 million in total damage on July 11, 1990, Denver, Colorado, USA. $1.6 billion. 20,000 properties and 40,000 vehicles were damaged during the storm with more than 25 aircraft damaged at Sydney Airport, one person was killed while fishing after getting struck by lightning and several other people were injured. It was the costliest hailstorm to hit an Australian populated city on April 14, 1999 in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Roofs, cars, patio furniture, skylights, and windows in the area's worst and most widespread hailstorm in 30 years due to the baseball and softball size hail.