Hail is Now Golf-Ball-Sized, Making Storm Prep Essential for All Homes

Not many think about storm preparation until something unexpected happens, like a heavy downpour that causes the roof to leak. Or hail that’s as big as golf balls.

That’s exactly what many Midwestern states in the US reported on April 15: a sudden and surprising hailstorm. CNN notes that the hail was as big as standard golf balls. Weather forecasters predict that the storms could continue through the weekend. In these circumstances, one cannot rule out hail damage to roof shingles.

New data from NASA shows that the intensity of sudden weather events has increased considerably in recent years. The problem with abrupt incidents is that they involve sudden transitions, which cause greater harm than individual episodes, as noted by the Royal Meteorological Society.

The impact on all aspects of life, from food production to tourism and biodiversity, is severe. Protecting homes from the repercussions of such events has become unavoidable.

Are US Roofs Ready for Massive Hailstorms?

According to the National Weather Service, a hailstorm is considered severe if the diameter of the hail exceeds 1 inch. The National Severe Storms Laboratory also classifies hail under 1 inch as small and predicts that its fall speed may be between 9 and 25 mph.

What happened in the Midwest recently was the downpour of hail that was golfball-sized, or 1.68”. Severe thunderstorms tend to have higher speeds for hail, ranging from 25 to 40 mph.

Such events can potentially cause damage to shingles and also lead to gutter problems or flashing. Sometimes, the repercussions may not be visible until they are deeply seated, as leaks can go undetected.

According to Reliable Roofing & Restoration, undetected leaks can lead to mold and also cause damage to the building’s insulation. Professional inspection can reveal leaks and other signs of problems that may be unnoticed by homeowners. It can be a more proactive approach that also proves more economical.

Data from industry reports finds that roofing repairs take up a large portion of home repair and maintenance budgets. The Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies finds that many homeowners struggle to invest in basic maintenance, a problem that affects homeowners with lower incomes more deeply. Around 43 percent spend a large sum on roofing replacement projects and other disaster repairs.

With climate change rendering inclement weather more common, these costs may only become steeper for US homeowners. The current scenario suggests that homeowners need to ramp up their hail awareness and preparation before they are hit, quite literally.

Building Resilient Homes

A roof with high impact resistance has become a popular choice for homeowners in areas prone to storms.

A 2025 report by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety finds that homeowners in Texas purchased over 40 percent of the stronger shingles sold in the US last year. The state is highly susceptible to hailstorms. In May 2025, a hailstorm struck Austin, Texas, at a rate of 85 mph. The hail was the size of a baseball, much bigger than even a golf ball.

Another advantage of installing such roofs is to bring down home insurance premiums. Many homeowners find that installing sturdier roofs means that they don’t have to pay hail deductibles year after year.

Besides roofing inspections and maintenance, homeowners are also stepping up to incorporate resilience in other ways. Every aspect of modern homes, from insulation to window panes, may require intrinsic preparedness to handle unexpected bouts of bad weather.

According to the CDC, it is essential to insulate water lines along the exterior walls to stay ready for a winter storm. Thermal-pane windows are also worth the installation for their benefits on storm insulation and energy efficiency.

Some homeowners are trying green roofs to add sustainability to their apartments. The US EPA reiterates that in addition to providing disaster support, such roofs bolster a building’s sustainability and energy performance.

A major part of hailstorm resilience for homes also draws from how prepared and informed communities are about the phenomenon.

For example, many homeowners may see the need to bring in potted plants or vulnerable pets before the storm becomes severe. However, other big-picture steps, such as managing a tree that is at risk of falling, may become apparent only after specific informational materials on storm preparedness.

Stormy Weather Ahead

Even outside the US, the weather has been testing and unpredictable. India has been experiencing hail in April so far, which is completely unseasonal. This is proving dangerous for agricultural stability. Bhutan also recently faced a severe hailstorm that impacted crops and damaged multiple residential rooftops.

Clearly, the need of the hour is preparing infrastructure to handle the growing incidence of unseasonal but high-impact weather events. Property developers are making an effort to understand and recognize the repercussions of climate change. They are also integrating the necessary resilience into infrastructure projects.

If hail is going to be as big as a golf ball, one cannot expect pea-sized preparations to suffice.