Top 10 Most Damaging Hailstorms in History: A Closer Look

Sydney, Australia – April 14, 1999
Date: April 14, 1999
Cost: $1.7 billion (USD, adjusted for inflation to 2023)
Meteorological Context: A severe supercell thunderstorm developed over the city, producing hailstones up to 9 cm (3.5 inches) in diameter.
Story: The 1999 Sydney hailstorm was a devastating event that caused widespread damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles. The storm lasted for just 30 minutes but left a trail of destruction in its wake.

Munich, Germany – July 12, 1984
Date: July 12, 1984
Cost: $4.8 billion (USD, adjusted for inflation to 2023)
Meteorological Context: A severe thunderstorm system moved over southern Germany, producing hailstones up to 10 cm (4 inches) in diameter.
Story: The Munich hailstorm of 1984 was one of the most destructive in German history. The storm caused extensive damage to buildings, cars, and agricultural crops, with some areas experiencing complete destruction.

Calgary, Canada – September 7, 1991
Date: September 7, 1991
Cost: $1.6 billion (USD, adjusted for inflation to 2023)
Meteorological Context: A severe thunderstorm developed over the city, producing hailstones up to 10 cm (4 inches) in diameter.
Story: The Calgary hailstorm of 1991 was a devastating event that caused significant damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles. The storm lasted for over an hour and left many areas of the city looking like a war zone.

Denver, Colorado, USA – July 11, 1990
Date: July 11, 1990
Cost: $1.4 billion (USD, adjusted for inflation to 2023)
Meteorological Context: A severe thunderstorm developed over the city, producing hailstones up to 10 cm (4 inches) in diameter.
Story: The Denver hailstorm of 1990 was a devastating event that caused significant damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles. The storm lasted for over an hour and caused widespread power outages and transportation disruptions.

Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, USA – May 5, 1995
Date: May 5, 1995
Cost: $3.6 billion (USD, adjusted for inflation to 2023)
Meteorological Context: A severe thunderstorm system moved over the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, producing hailstones up to 11 cm (4.5 inches) in diameter.
Story: The 1995 Dallas-Fort Worth hailstorm was one of the costliest in U.S. history. The storm caused extensive damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles, with some areas experiencing complete destruction.

Phoenix, Arizona, USA – October 5, 2010
Date: October 5, 2010
Cost: $3.5 billion (USD, adjusted for inflation to 2023)
Meteorological Context: A severe thunderstorm system moved over the Phoenix metropolitan area, producing hailstones up to 8 cm (3 inches) in diameter.
Story: The 2010 Phoenix hailstorm was the costliest in Arizona history. The storm caused significant damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles, with some areas experiencing complete destruction.

St. Louis, Missouri, USA – April 10, 2001
Date: April 10, 2001
Cost: $3.6 billion (USD, adjusted for inflation to 2023)
Meteorological Context: A severe thunderstorm system moved over the St. Louis metropolitan area, producing hailstones up to 7 cm (2.75 inches) in diameter.
Story: The 2001 St. Louis hailstorm was a devastating event that caused significant damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles. The storm lasted for several hours and caused widespread power outages and transportation disruptions.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA – May 16, 2010
Date: May 16, 2010
Cost: $1.4 billion (USD, adjusted for inflation to 2023)
Meteorological Context: A severe thunderstorm system moved over the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, producing hailstones up to 10 cm (4 inches) in diameter.
Story: The 2010 Oklahoma City hailstorm was a devastating event that caused significant damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles. The storm lasted for several hours and caused widespread power outages and transportation disruptions.

Fort Collins, Colorado, USA – July 28, 2016
Date: July 28, 2016
Cost: $1.7 billion (USD, adjusted for inflation to 2023)
Meteorological Context: A severe thunderstorm system moved over the Fort Collins area, producing hailstones up to 10 cm (4 inches) in diameter.
Story: The 2016 Fort Collins hailstorm was a devastating event that caused significant damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles. The storm lasted for several hours and caused widespread power outages and transportation disruptions.

San Antonio, Texas, USA – April 12, 2016
Date: April 12, 2016
Cost: $1.7 billion (USD, adjusted for inflation to 2023)
Meteorological Context: A severe thunderstorm system moved over the San Antonio metropolitan area, producing hailstones up to 11 cm (4.5 inches) in diameter.
Story: The 2016 San Antonio hailstorm was a devastating event that caused significant damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles. The storm lasted for several hours and caused widespread power outages and transportation disruptions.