Recent Large Hail Storm June 3, 2014
On June 3, 2014, a derecho storm system traveled throughout Nebraska. The violent cluster of severe thunderstorms and damaging straight-line winds brought large hail and record amounts of rain. Most of the hail fell outside of the Omaha metro area, in neighboring counties of Cass, Dodge, Platte, Sarpy, and Saunders. Weston recorded 3″ hail. The storm damage in Omaha was a result of 70+ mph winds and 5.3″ of rain. Homes in the 16th & Ames neighborhood were flooded.
Nebraska ranked third for major hail events in 2013, according to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Nationwide, hail insurance claims total $1 billion of damage to property and crops each year. Typically, 1″ hail or larger causes damage to roof coverings and exterior surfaces, but depending on the material and existing condition smaller hail can also produce damage. Hail is often part of other severe weather damage, including tornados, thunderstorms or lightning strikes.