A severe hailstorm struck near Springfield, Missouri, with hailstones as large as softballs causing significant damage to cars, homes, and gas meters, and tragically killing a 21-year-old emu at a local zoo. The storm, produced by a supercell, was unusual for the region but not unheard of. Supercells can split into two storms, with the left-moving storm often producing large hail. The storm spanned 100 miles, with the largest hailstones falling in Springfield. Local residents and officials reported extensive damage, and the zoo confirmed no guests or staff were injured. The increase in hail damage in recent years may be linked to climate change, though more research is needed to understand its global impact.
QUESTION: How might increasing hailstorms influence the way communities prepare for severe weather in the future?
A giant hailstorm just killed an emu at a Missouri zoo
