Project ICECHIP Completes First Major Hail Study

Researchers traveled 15,000 miles to analyze severe storm patterns and their increasing economic impact across the U.S.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Severe Weather

A close-up of a jagged hailstone on a dark surface, with a turbulent, dark storm sky in the background. — Project ICECHIP researchers completed an $11 million, six-week study across 12 states to map hail formation and address rising property damage costs. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Project ICECHIP researchers recently completed an $11 million, six-week study of hail formation across 12 states. This effort marks the first major U.S. hail research in over 40 years as insured losses from severe storms remain high.

Why it matters

Climate change is fueling stronger updrafts in thunderstorms, allowing hailstones to grow larger and cause more significant property damage. Understanding these dynamics is essential for addressing the economic burden of severe convective storms.

Hail accounts for 60 to 80 percent of annual insured losses from severe convective storms, which generated $57 billion in damage during 2024. The study involved over 70 scientists from 15 institutions who logged 15,000 miles of data collection.

The players

Project ICECHIP

This is a collaborative scientific initiative involving over 70 researchers from 15 institutions focused on analyzing hail formation.

The details

Thunderstorms create powerful updrafts that carry raindrops to high altitudes, where they coalesce and freeze into hail. Researchers gathered samples to map these processes, particularly in highly impacted states like Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming.

July 2010: A record two-pound hailstone fell in Vivian, South Dakota.
May 8, 2017: A major hailstorm in Denver caused nearly $2.3 billion in damage.
2023: Severe convective storms generated $64 billion in insured losses.
2024: Severe convective storms generated $57 billion in insured losses.
2025: Project ICECHIP researchers completed a six-week data collection period.

Seasonal Patterns

The study updates scientific understanding of extreme weather events, building on the meteorological benchmarks established by the 2010 Vivian, South Dakota record hailstone. It tracks how these events fit into long-term trends of increasing insured storm losses.

Residents in high-risk areas like the Great Plains should review their property insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage for hail damage. Keeping vehicles garaged during severe convective storms remains the most effective way to avoid costly repairs.

The takeaway

Hail remains a leading driver of financial loss within the severe storm category, highlighting the need for continued investment in meteorological research. Homeowners and policyholders can mitigate risk by monitoring local storm data and assessing structural vulnerabilities in their properties.