HAIL SIZE

DESCRIPTION

Measurements: Always measure the outside
diameter or the longest axis.

Report the largest or most common size observed
and depth of accumulations covering the ground.

1/4"

 PEA size

1/2"

 SMALL MARBLE (Never report "large marble-sized hail". Small marble is assumed to be 1/2 inch.)

3/4"

 PENNY size     

7/8"

 NICKEL size

1"

 QUARTER size

1 1/4"

 HALF DOLLAR size

1 1/2"

 PING PONG BALL size

1 3/4"

 GOLF BALL size

2"

 LIME size

2 1/2"

 TENNIS BALL size

2 3/4"

 BASEBALL size

3"

 LARGE APPLE size

4"

 GRAPEFRUIT size

5"

 CD, DVD size

WIND SPEED ESTIMATE

DAMAGE DESCRIPTION

30-44 Mph

Trees in motion. Light-weight loose objects (e.g., lawn furniture) tossed or toppled.

45-57 MPH
Non severe

Large trees bend; twigs, small limbs break, and a few larger dead or weak branches may break. Old/weak structures (e.g., sheds, barns) may sustain minor damage (roof, doors). A few loose shingles removed from houses.

58-74 MPH
Severe

Large limbs break; shallow rooted trees pushed over. Semi-trucks overturned. More significant damage to old / weak structures. Shingles, awnings removed from houses; damage to chimneys and antennas; mobile homes, carports incur minor structural damage; large billboard signs may be toppled.

75-89 MPH
Hurricane Force

Widespread tree damage (trees either broken or uprooted). Mobile homes may incur more significant structural damage; be pushed off foundations or overturned. Roofs may be partially peeled off industrial/commercial/warehouse buildings. Some minor roof damage to homes. Weak or open structures (e.g. farm buildings, airplane hangars) may be severely damaged.

90+ MPH
Significant Severe

Groves of trees flattened. Mobile homes severely damaged; moderate roof damage to homes. Roofs partially peeled off homes and buildings. Barns and sheds completely demolished.

All references to trees are for trees with foliage. Significantly higher winds may be required to cause similar damage to trees without foliage. Also, very wet soil conditions may allow weaker winds of 30-57 MPH to uproot trees.