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Project ICECHIP: U.S. Hail Study Aims to Improve Forecasts

Roofing News
June 13, 2025•3 min read

Great Plains, USA – In the most ambitious effort of its kind in over four decades, a massive scientific field campaign is now underway across the American Heartland. Dubbed Project ICECHIP (In-situ Collaborative Experiment for the Collection of Hail in the Plains), this large-scale endeavor brings together researchers from around the world to unlock the secrets of one of nature's most destructive and costly phenomena: hail.

With an eye on improving forecasts and mitigating the staggering economic toll of hailstorms, which exceeds $10 billion annually in the United States, Project ICECHIP is deploying a formidable arsenal of cutting-edge technology. The experimental phase of the project is currently active throughout May and June 2025, strategically positioned across the hail-prone regions of the Central Plains and the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, including states like Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma.

This multi-institutional initiative, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), involves a consortium of 15 research institutions and international partners. Their mission is to gain an intimate understanding of how hail forms, grows, and behaves within severe thunderstorms.

At the heart of Project ICECHIP are innovative "hailsondes," spherical probes designed to mimic the journey of a real hailstone. These devices, equipped with sensors, are launched into developing storms to gather firsthand data on temperature, pressure, and their violent journey through the thunderhead.

"This is a game-changer for hail research," stated a lead scientist for the project. "For the first time, we are sending back dispatches from the heart of the storm, providing a level of detail that was previously unimaginable."

The project also utilizes a mobile fleet of advanced technologies, including:

  • Doppler on Wheels (DOW) trucks: These mobile radar systems can get up close to storms, providing high-resolution data on their internal structures.

  • Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS): Drones are being flown into the aftermath of hailstorms to assess damage and collect data on the size and distribution of hailstones.

  • Specially armored vehicles: Daring teams of researchers are driving directly into the "hail shaft" – the area of most intense hail – to gather in-situ measurements.

The research comes at a critical time. Recent studies suggest a potential link between climate change and an increase in the frequency of larger, more destructive hailstones. By improving the accuracy of hail forecasts, Project ICECHIP aims to provide more timely and precise warnings to the public, aviation industry, and agricultural sector, potentially saving lives and billions of dollars in damages.

The project is not just a scientific endeavor; it's also a collaborative effort with the public. "Community involvement is crucial," a project spokesperson noted. "Citizen scientists providing reports and photos of hail can significantly enhance our data set and understanding."

As the project continues to "chase" these frozen giants across the plains, the data collected will be instrumental in refining weather models and developing the next generation of hail prediction tools. For the millions of Americans living in "Hail Alley," the insights gained from Project ICECHIP could bring a much-needed advantage in the face of this powerful force of nature.

For More Information:

To learn more about Project ICECHIP, its mission, and the teams involved, please visit the following official and informational resources:

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