Hail is the most expensive severe weather hazard in the U.S., racking up as much as $15 billion in losses each year—yet key parts of hail science remain under-researched.
ICECHIP set out to change that with a first-of-its-kind campaign measuring hail from cloud to ground using mobile radars, aircraft, drones, and a brand-new hailsonde that rides the updraft like a hailstone.In the second part of this interview, Meteorologist Taylor Cox and Collin Hunt continue their conversation with Becky Adams-Selin (Senior Manager of Science) and Dr. John Allen (Professor of Meteorology, Central Michigan University) along with HailTrace’s Ben Baranowski about the extensive hail research they conducted last spring. Together, they unpack what ICECHIP discovered in the field — from surprising updraft velocities and new insights into hailstone strength, to how windblown hail and drone mapping could reshape forecasting, roofing, insurance, and agriculture.This is Part 2 of our ICECHIP interview. If you missed Part 1, watch that episode hereDon’t miss a video! Subscribe NOW
#HailChatter #HailTrace #Hail #HailResearchABOUT HAILCHATTER:Welcome to HailChatter, the HailTrace podcast that helps those in the restoration industry understand weather and its impact on their work. HailChatter is hosted by HailTrace's Taylor Cox, Digital Meteorologist with 5 years of experience in Plains weather, and Collin Hunt, Product Evangelist with 7 years experience in product messaging. Tune in every other Tuesday as they break down storms, uncover opportunities, and help the restoration industry weather every season.ABOUT HAILTRACEHailTrace is a weather technology company that simplifies storm data, empowering the restoration industry to respond instantly with reliable information. They do this through meteorologist-created storm maps, detailed weather reports, and sales tools that help teams reach the right neighborhoods first and confidently sell there.CHAPTERS0:00 - How do drones, aircraft and mobile tech track hail storms?5:18 - What is a hailsonde and how does it “ride” the updraft?8:21 - Did ICECHIP find stronger updrafts than we thought?11:05 - How will these findings change forecasting and warnings?14:31 - Beyond size what really causes hail damage on roofs?18:08 - What’s next for ICECHIP students and global campaigns?WANT MORE WEATHER?! Subscribe for more! X: https://twitter.com/HailTraceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hailtraceTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hailtraceFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HailTrace/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HailTrace
Hail is finally getting its turn in the spotlight. ICECHIP is a massive, international field project with 100+ researchers, mobile radars, drones, hail pads, impact disdrometers, and even portable freezers—built to measure hail from cloud to ground and everything in between.
In this episode of HailChatter, Meteorologist Taylor Cox and Collin Hunt interview Becky Adams-Selin and John Allen to unpack why hail has been under-researched and how ICECHIP ran a 6-week chase across Texas to North Dakota.
From limitations of MESH to brand-new tools like hail cameras and fall-speed radars, this is a rare look behind the scenes of the biggest hail study in over 40 years.
Don’t miss the Part 2 follow-up in two weeks—subscribe so you get it the moment it drops: https://www.youtube.com/@HailTrace?sub_confirmation=1
#HailTrace #HailChatter #Hail #ICECHIP
ABOUT HAILCHATTER
Welcome to HailChatter, the HailTrace podcast that helps those in the restoration industry understand weather and its impact on their work. HailChatter is hosted by HailTrace's Taylor Cox, Digital Meteorologist with 5 years of experience in Plains weather, and Collin Hunt, Product Evangelist with 7 years experience in product messaging. Tune in every other Tuesday as they break down storms, uncover opportunities, and help the restoration industry weather every season.
ABOUT HAILTRACE
HailTrace is a weather technology company that simplifies storm data, empowering the restoration industry to respond instantly with reliable information. They do this through meteorologist-created storm maps, detailed weather reports, and sales tools that help teams reach the right neighborhoods first and confidently sell there.
CHAPTERS
0:00 - What is ICECHIP and why is hail finally getting its moment in research?
2:08 - How did 100+ scientists from 4 countries unite to study hail?5:15 - What are the biggest gaps in hail science and radar products like MESH?
9:01 - Why study hail instead of tornadoes or wind?
11:38 - What was it like chasing storms for six weeks across the Plains?
15:33 - What new technology was used to capture hail size, speed, and shape?
21:43 - How 7,000 hailstones were collected and how this research could change weather forecasting
WANT MORE WEATHER?!
Epic Hail Chase! 7,000 Hailstones Collected by ICECHIP | S2 E6 | HailChatter | HailTracehttps://www.youtube.com/@HailTrace
Downbursts are powerful, straight-line winds that explode out of thunderstorms and can topple trees, power lines, and even damage roofs with 80–100 mph force.
In this episode of HailChatter, Meteorologists Taylor Cox and Collin Hunt sit down with NSSL researcher Charles Kuster to explain what downbursts are, how radar helps detect them, and why new forecasting tools are keeping communities safer.
From the 2011 Norman downburst to the recent Austin event, we unpack the science and the impacts you need to know.
Don't miss a video! Subscribe NOW!
#HailTrace #HailChatter #Downbursts
ABOUT HAILCHATTER
Welcome to HailChatter, the HailTrace podcast that helps those in the restoration industry understand weather and its impact on their work. HailChatter is hosted by HailTrace's Taylor Cox, Digital Meteorologist with 5 years of experience in Plains weather, and Collin Hunt, Product Evangelist with 7 years experience in product messaging. Tune in every other Tuesday as they break down storms, uncover opportunities, and help the restoration industry weather every season.
ABOUT HAILTRACE
HailTrace is a weather technology company that simplifies storm data, empowering the restoration industry to respond instantly with reliable information. They do this through meteorologist-created storm maps, detailed weather reports, and sales tools that help teams reach the right neighborhoods first and confidently sell there.
WANT MORE WEATHER?! Subscribe for more!
CHAPTERS0:
00-2:30 Why do downbursts matter and how common are they?
2:30-5:20 Who is Charles Kuster and how did he get into downburst research?
5:20-7:40 What exactly is a downburst and how is it different from a tornado?
7:40-10:15 Are terms like “rain bomb” or “downward tornado” accurate to describe downbursts?
10:15-13:00 What happened during the 2011 Norman downburst and other recent cases?
13:00-15:40 How did plane crashes in the 60s, 70s & 80s prompt downburst research?
15:40-18:20 How does dual-pol radar help to spot wet downbursts and hail?
18:20-20:50 Can we detect dry downbursts and what are the current limits?
20:50-23:00 What does a KDP core look like and how do warnings improve safety?
23:00-25:12 What’s next for downburst research and how will it reach operations?
Devastating Downbursts Bring NEW Research and Faster Warning Times | S2 E5 | HailChatter | HailTrace
Wichita, Kansas just lived through a rare September run of severe weather — two hailstorms in a week and reports of softball-size hail in southern Kansas.
In this episode of HailChatter, Meteorologist Taylor Cox and Collin Hunt react to storm chaser Justin Hugh’s wild story of being pummeled by 5” hailstones and having his car struck by lightning during a similar September hailstorm back in 2010.
They also give you a behind-the-scenes look at how Meteorologists tracked the September 3, 2025 hailstorm that slammed Wichita, Kansas.
👉 This is an episode you don’t want to miss! Like and subscribe for more storm stories and restoration insights.
👉 Watch our full Wichita radar breakdown with CEO Derik Kline here. https://www.youtube.com/live/B2ez5ZfHQo0
HailChatter — where restoration meets weather.
Chapters:
0:00–0:56 Why did Kansas get pounded by massive hailstorms in September?
0:56–2:12 How big was the record-setting hailstone that fell in Kansas?
2:12–3:47 What happened when storm chaser Justin Hughes got trapped in giant hail?
3:47–5:19 Could a nearly 8-inch hailstone really smash through a roof?
5:19–6:48 What was it like to have your car struck by lightning during a hailstorm?
6:48–9:30 How did two Wichita hailstorms explode out of nowhere in 2025?
9:30–13:45 How do meteorologists use radar to spot monster hail?
13:45–16:04 How does HailTrace prove where the biggest hail really fell?
#HailChatter #HailTrace #KansasHail
WANT MORE WEATHER?! Subscribe for more!
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HailTrace/
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From storm chasing to forecasting hurricanes, HailTrace CEO Derik Kline joins Meteorologist Taylor Cox and Collin Hunt to break down how he’s forecasted the weather for 25+ years.
He answers questions like why weather apps get it wrong and what models can (and can’t) tell you. Plus, we take a look back on weather forecasting over the last 25 years and a look at the future of AI in meteorology.
Weather always has a way of humbling you. Here’s a video breakdown:
(00:00 - 02:20) How has forecasting changed since the 90s?
(02:20 - 05:28) How do meteorologists forecast the weather?
(05:28 -07:30) How can models hurt a weather forecast?
(07:30 - 09:00) Forecasting vs Nowcasting while storm chasing
(09:00 - 11:45) Why are weather apps wrong?
(11:45 - 14:51) What does POP mean?
(14:51 - 16:55) Which Weather Model is the Best?(16:55 - 21:30) Major Forecasting Busts
(21:30 - 28:46) Can AI improve or replace weather forecasting?
#weather #Forecast #StormChasing #SevereWeather #Meteorology
WANT MORE WEATHER?! Subscribe for more!
X: https://twitter.com/HailTrace
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hailtrace
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hailtrace
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HailTrace/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HailTrace
What’s it like to fly into powerful storms—sometimes at night—with lightning flashing all around you? Dr. Dan Stechman, a Meteorological Software Engineer at HailTrace, shares what it’s really like inside NOAA’s Hurricane Hunter aircraft.
From flying through massive nighttime thunderstorms to capturing tornado data from the air, Dan breaks down the science behind these missions—and why it matters to everyone.
👉 Like, subscribe, and share this with someone who loves crazy weather and restoration insights.
Chapters
(00:00 - 01:19) What is it like to fly on a NOAA hurricane hunter plane?
(01:19 - 02:40) Why would a scientist fly into a nighttime thunderstorm?
(02:40 - 05:24) How do hurricane hunter planes work and are they safe?
(05:24 - 06:50) What have PECAN and TORUS taught us about tornadoes?
(06:50 - 07:45) Why can’t radars see what’s happening near the ground?
(07:45 - 08:41) Who’s onboard a hurricane hunter flight?
(08:41 - 11:55) What’s it like to see a tornado from the air?
(11:55 - 16:30) How do NOAA scientists prepare for dangerous flights?
(16:30 - 22:28) How did NOAA’s hiring freeze change meteorology careers?
(22:28 - 29:06) Why does losing weather balloon launches matter?
(29:06 - 30:23) Why does NOAA’s data matter for everyone?
WANT MORE WEATHER?! Subscribe for more!
X: https://twitter.com/HailTraceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hailtrace
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hailtrace
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HailTrace/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HailTrace#HurricaneHunter
#SevereWeather #Stormchasing #HailTrace #ExtremeWeather #Tornado
Season 2 of HailChatter kicks off with the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season forecast!
HailTrace CEO Derik Kline joins us live to break down what areas will be most impacted in this year's hurricane season!
We cover how El Niño vs La Niña could shape the season, why certain U.S. coastlines are more at risk, and what people need to do to prepare for hurricanes.
💥 What you’ll learn in this episode:
✅ 2025 hurricane season forecast predictions
✅ El Niño vs La Niña explained
✅ Landfall hotspots for the U.S. coast
✅ 2024 season recap and lessons
Chapters
(00:00 - 02:15) Welcome to Season 2 of HailChatter
(02:15 - 07:40) What can we learn from the 2024 hurricane season?
(07:40 - 14:30) How do El Niño and La Niña shape hurricanes?
(14:30 - 18:50) Can you answer our hurricane season trivia?
(18:50 - 25:00) Where do hurricanes hit most often?
(25:00 - 31:10) What’s it like to be a storm chaser in a hurricane
(31:10 - 38:00) How does NOAA’s forecast compare to Colorado State’s for 2025?
(38:00 - 45:20) What is wind shear and why does it kill hurricanes?
(45:20 - 51:00) How do sea surface temperatures shape the path of storms?
(51:00 - 56:56) What challenges do contractors and adjusters face after a hurricane?
WANT MORE WEATHER?!
Subscribe for more!
#2025HurricaneSeason #HurricaneForecast #AtlanticHurricanes #ElNino #LaNina
You think a marginal risk day is boring? Nothing is going to happen? Think again! Mother Nature will throw you a curveball.
In this episode, Taylor Cox, John Choquette, and Collin Hunt dive deep into some of the most surprising hailstorms that erupted from marginal risks, or even days with no risk at all. From Denver’s costly tennis-ball-sized hail to San Antonio’s rush-hour surprise, discover why storms don’t always stick to the forecast.
You’ll also learn:
🌩️ Why big hailstorms can happen even when risks seem low🌀 How small atmospheric details can trigger major storms📉 The surprising science behind forecasting misses—and hits
Don't miss this exploration of severe weather’s unpredictable nature.
👉 Like, subscribe, and share this podcast with a friend!
What’s the difference between soft and hard hail? And does it actually impact the way you work storms?
In this episode of HailChatter, Meteorologist Taylor Cox and Collin Hunt break down a common question in the restoration industry—what makes hail “soft” or “hard.”
The answer may not be as simple as you think.In this episode, we cover:
❄️ How hail forms—the science behind updrafts, supercooled water, and storm cycles
🛠️ What really determines “soft” vs. “hard” hail—and why it might not be what you expect
🔎 Hail rings & the story it tells—what you can learn by looking inside a hailstone📋 Tips on working any hail storms: Three key strategies to work storms smarter
🐸 Hail with frogs inside?! (Yes, it happens!)
If you work in the restoration industry, chase storms, or just love learning about extreme weather, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!
Subscribe to HailChatter for new episodes every two weeks!
Like, comment, and share your hailstorm experiences below!
It’s HailTrace’s 15-year anniversary—and we’re celebrating with the best storm chasing stories over the years! 🚨
In this special episode, Meteorologist Taylor Cox and Collin Hunt sit down with CEO Derik Kline, Lead Meteorologist John Choquette, and Customer Success Lead Justin Hughes to share the wildest, closest, and most unforgettable storm chases from the past 15 years.
From a busted windshield and a narrow escape in El Reno, to 13 tornadoes in 90 minutes over Dodge City, you’ll hear what it’s really like to chase storms!.
You’ll also find out:
How the HailStalker truck came to life (hint: it involves cheering for broken glass)
Why one chase turned into a National Geographic documentary
And yes...how a herd of peeing cows might’ve contributed to a tornado outbreak (we’ll let you decide) 🐄🌪️
Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at the adventures, close calls, and camaraderie that shaped HailTrace over the last 15 years!
👉 Like, subscribe, and share with your favorite storm chaser.
It’s the anniversary of the April 29th, 2022 Andover Tornado—one of the most iconic storms in recent memory.
In this episode of HailChatter, Meteorologist Taylor Cox and Collin Hunt take you inside the world of Local Storm Reports (LSRs) and why they matter so much for issuing tornado warnings or working storms in the restoration industry. Topics discussed include:
🌪️ What are LSRs and how are they created
🛰️ Why LSRs are essential for confirming what’s really happening on the ground
🚨 The story of how HailTrace CEO Derik Kline helped trigger tornado warnings—twice in one week
🏠 Where LSRs fit in finding storm damage & a Date Of Loss for an address
If you work in restoration or just love tracking severe weather, this is one episode you don't want to miss.
🎧 If you have not already, like, subscribe and share this episode!
You’ve probably heard it before—Dallas-Fort Worth is the hail capital of the world. But why?
In this episode of HailChatter, Meteorologist Taylor Cox and Product Evangelist Collin Hunt sit down with CEO Derik Kline to break down why DFW gets hit so often—and so hard.
Spoiler: It’s more than just location. It’s about the heat trapped by concrete.
Listen now to learn:
🔥 What the urban heat island effect is—and how it fuels storms
🌪️ Why DFW storms explode at night and curve into the city
📊 The science behind “the cap” and why it matters for hail💥 A billion-dollar storm that could only happen in DFW
🏙️ What this means for those in restoration working storms
Whether you’re a storm nerd or you work storms, this is one episode you don’t want to miss.
Subscribe and Like to see more episodes like this.
We just dropped the official 2025 Hail Forecast! ☄️
In this episode of HailChatter, CEO Derik Kline joins Meteorologist Taylor Cox, Lead Meteorologist John Choquette, and Collin Hunt to walk through what we’ve seen so far—and what’s still to come.
In this episode, we cover:
📍 Which areas have already been hit—and how the 2025 forecast is measuring up
🌪️ Why we are just getting started and this storm season could still bring major events across the U.S.
📊 The patterns behind our forecast and what history tells us
🗺️ State-by-state predictions for the biggest hail potential in 2025
➕ Plus, a bonus look at what to expect during hurricane season!
This episode has it all—from storm chasing stories to deep-dive meteorology and what the restoration industry needs to know this storm season.
🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for future episodes
📍 Watch the full forecast to see your state’s storm outlook!
The biggest storm weekend of the year so far brought tornadoes, giant hail, and non-stop severe weather across 20+ states.
In this episode of HailChatter, Meteorologist Taylor Cox, HailTrace CEO Derik Kline, and Lead Mapping Meteorologist Stephen Barabas break down:
🌪️ The Science Behind the Storms – Why this system was so powerful and how it compares to past outbreaks.
🧊 Hail Trends – Why some areas saw massive hailstones while others saw giant tornadoes.
📍 Tracking the Impacts – From College Station to Greensboro, what these storms left behind.
🌪️ Tornado Trends & Comparisons – Was this outbreak anything like March 14th, 2024?
🔍 What’s Next – Is this a preview of the 2025 storm season?
This episode is packed with expert analysis, real-time radar breakdowns, and insights into how severe weather impacts the restoration industry.
📢 Subscribe now and stay ahead of the next big storm!
Imagine chasing storms for a living—then seeing your own storm-chasing truck on the big screen.
That’s exactly what happened to HailTrace CEO & Founder Derik Kline when he became an extra in the 2024 Twisters movie.
In this episode of HailChatter, meteorologist Taylor Cox sits down with Derik to get an inside look at his time on set.
He shares what it was like to be part of a big-budget production, how filmmakers recreated the thrill of storm chasing, and what Hollywood got right (and wrong) about severe weather.
Plus, he reveals how the production team modeled a storm-chasing vehicle after his own HailStalker II.
In this episode, we cover:
🎬 What it’s really like to be on a major movie set
🌪️ How Twisters compares to real-life storm chasing
🔥 Is it actually possible to “tame” a tornado? Derik shares his thoughts
🎆 What happens if you shoot fireworks into a tornado? We break down the science
If you love storms, movies, or just want to hear what happens when Hollywood meets storm chasing, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!
Listen now and subscribe to HailChatter for more expert insights into the world of weather and restoration!
You’ve probably heard it before—“I’ll take care of that in the off-season.” But in the restoration industry, does an off-season even exist?
In this episode of HailChatter, we break down the data and industry trends to uncover the reality of hailstorms throughout the year. Some regions see hail year-round, while others have a defined season—but even then, unexpected storms can throw a wrench in your plans.
We’ll cover:
📊 What the data says about when and where hailstorms happen
🌪️ Why certain cities—like Dallas and Atlanta—see more storms outside of peak season
🏠 How contractors can leverage past storms to stay busy all year long
Whether you're slammed with jobs in peak season or looking for ways to keep momentum going when things slow down, this episode will help you rethink how to maximize every season.
Want to explore the data for yourself? Check out NOAA’s Severe Weather Prediction Tool
Learn more about HailTrace
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts!
Welcome to HailChatter, a HailTrace podcast, where weather meets restoration!
CoHosted by Taylor Cox, a meteorologist with a background in emergency management, and Collin Hunt, a messaging strategist passionate about helping businesses succeed, HailChatter is designed for roofers, general contractors, public adjusters, insurance professionals, and PDR companies—anyone whose work is shaped by the storm.
In this short intro episode, we break down what you can expect from the show, from in-depth storm breakdowns to practical insights on how weather impacts your business.
This podcast will answer questions like:
🌪 How accurate are NOAA reports for storm damage?
☄️ What makes hail hard or soft?
🌀 What’s it really like to chase a tornado?
With expert meteorologists and real-world restoration insights, HailChatter will help you understand storms better, prepare smarter, and maximize your business.
New episodes drop every other Tuesday—find us on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and more.
Hit subscribe and let’s talk storms! 🌩
The biggest hailstorms of 2024 weren’t just record-breaking—they shaped the restoration industry that can still be felt today.
In this episode of HailChatter, we dive into the top 5 hail events that shattered records, caused billions in damage, and kept roofers, adjusters, and restoration pros busy long after the storms passed.
Join Cohosts Taylor Cox and Collin Hunt as they break down:
⛈️ The Oklahoma City hailstorm—why this late-season giant caught so many off guard
💥 A 3-day May outbreak that delivered softball-sized hail and made history in Texas
📍 Denver’s billion-dollar storm—one of the most expensive hail events of the year
Whether you’re still working leads from these storms or want to be better prepared for the next big one, this episode is packed with expert insights to help you navigate storm season like a pro.
Listen now and subscribe to HailChatter for more in-depth weather discussions tailored for the restoration industry!