More damaging than tornadoes, hail may finally get the scientific attention it deserves.

The article discusses the lack of scientific attention given to hailstorms compared to other extreme weather events such as hurricanes and tornadoes. Hailstorms cause significant damage to cars, roofs, and crops, resulting in billions of dollars in losses each year. To address this gap in research, a project called ICECHIP has been approved for funding by the National Science Foundation. The project aims to gather data on hailstorms to improve prediction and understand the impact of climate change on hail frequency and size. The campaign will utilize new technologies such as drones, mobile radar, and 3D printers, as well as traditional methods like hail pads. The results of the research will help society better cope with the often overlooked threat of hailstorms, which can cause property damage and impact agriculture and solar farms. Additionally, the data collected may inform the development of more durable and flexible roofing materials to withstand hail. [Extracted from the article]