How large can hail get?

Fortunately, most hail is small - usually less than 2 inches in diameterA large hailstone

The largest hailstone ever recorded fell in Coffeyville, Kansas on September 3, 1970. It measured about 17.5 inches in circumference (over 5.6 inches in diameter) and weighed more than 26 ounces (almost 2 pounds)!

Hailstones can begin to melt and then re-freeze together - forming large and very irregularly shaped hail  

Show All Answers

1. Should I be concerned about tornadoes when hail is observed?
2. Is there a way to simply look at a thunderstorm and tell if it will produce hail at the ground?
3. How large can hail get?
4. Is there a way to estimate hail size or do I have to go outside and measure it?