“Hail Alley,” That’s what the DFW area is commonly known as. What is often asked is why? Why is the Fort Worth roofing area so often hit by these storms that cause so much damage? Every year hail causes up to one billion dollars in damage. In order to get a good understanding of this question we must first ask ourselves, “What is hail?”
How hail is created
Hail often occurs during thunderstorms, but can also occur during heavy rain and tornadoes. Hail storm occur when temperatures in the upper atmosphere reach below zero degrees Fahrenheit. Water pellets become suspended in strong updrafts. These updrafts become super cooled which allows the water to freeze on contact. Eventually the hail stones that have been produced grow in size. Depending on how strong the updraft is, the hail becomes too heavy to be held and falls to the earth. Hailstorms can even happen in warm weather. In the atmosphere exists is a cold belt that reaches instant freezing temperatures. This cold belt allows for the hail to stay frozen on its way down. So, no matter how warm the temperature can get, the hail can occur whenever it pleases especially during the hail season. The more rain that occurs the more likely hail is to occur, especially in warmer temperatures. In fact more than 3,000 hail storms occur annually here in the Ft. Worth region. This brings us full circle to our first question. Why does Fort Worth get so many hail storms?
Radar capture of the Mayfest hail storm in Fort Worth, TX.
Why Fort Worth?
Well, it is no secret that Fort Worth is one of the top ten most humid areas in Texas. With so much humidity it is not hard to believe that it can get a bit rainy. Humid rain attracts hail. The average number of hail storms compared to the number of inches of precipitation shows a strong correlation between rain and hail. For example, this past year the Texas panhandle received more than four feet of hail! The panhandles precipitation may be less than that of Fort Worth but it still manages to get quite a bit of hail storms. This is because Texas is more likely to receive a direct feed of any type of storm moisture straight from the Gulf of Mexico. For each hail storm in the Fort Worth roofing region, the specific reason can vary. Weather is just so unpredictable. However, in Fort Worth hail storms are as predictable as can be. Also very predictable is the damage that happens yearly to your roof due to hail damage. Fort Worth roofs have a seriously shortened lifespan due to the numerous hail storms in the area. Being top 10 in hail storms in the country, Fort Worth roofs are in constant combat with hail and need constant vigilant monitoring. The humid warmth of spring followed by the blazing heat of the summer months make Texas in General more likely to receive such crazy weather. Fort Worth is no exception, with the states second highest precipitation levels and the strong correlation discussed early, it is highly susceptible to major hail storms and more severe weather. In the history of Texas most high-impact hail events have been those that strike major cities like Fort Worth.
What is my next step after a hailstorm?
Just because this region is more prone to dangerous weather, it does not make it a dangerous place to live. Fort Worth is actually a beautiful place to live around. In fact, with all the precipitation it makes the region’s soil able to produce an abundant amount flowers. Just make sure you get your Fort Worth roofing inspected annually or even after any major weather out break to insure the safety of you, your family and your home. Here at Old Pro Roofing we will come to your house to administer a FREE roof inspection. We will take pictures to give you evidence in your claim to your insurance adjustor for a roof inspection. We will then quickly and professionally get you roof replacement done and have you ready for the next hail storm… whenever that may hit. Call us at 817-929-ROOF (7663) or contact us and start the process today.