Illinois Researchers Going “Hail Hunting” In New $11 Million Study

Illinois scientists are participating in what will be the largest hail study in history.

Researchers are starting the process of learning about hailstorms. Northern Illinois University scientists are in the multi-million dollar study to learn how to improve forecasts and mitigate hail damage, according to News Nation.

They are back after a 6-week field expedition, which they did in collaboration with 17 other institutions. Hail causes $10 billion in nationwide damage each year, according to stats obtained by News Nation.

Dr. Victor Gensini, the head of the project, was awarded a $11 million grant from the National Science Foundation for the study. He's in charge of over 100 researchers, 30 "hail hunting" cars, and 15,000 miles of the Great Plains.

Once they're in a storm, they set up equipment surrounding the storm and they get a 3D look into the clouds to watch hailstones develop. This is expected to help forecasts. Once they collect the hail, they have to put it in the cooler quickly so it doesn't melt.

The largest hail that the team has found was over 5 inches across: the size of a cantaloupe.

Because hail is so damaging to both car and home, the scientists are working with the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety to look at different types of roof shingles to figure out which one works best to protect against hail damage.

We likely won't find out the results of the study any time soon. It is expected to take up to a decade to analyze the data collected.