What: 4″ Grapefruit-sized hail
When: May 9, 2023
Where: Larned and St. John Kansas
Residents of Larned and St John, Kansas run for safe shelter as a massive storm surges through the local communities bringing much-needed rain, but along with it, hail and damaging winds nearing 80 mph.
As reported on stormersite.com, “grapefruit-sized hail was reported at 4:40:00 PM CDT on 05/09/2023 about 6 miles from the center of Larned, Kansas. Local stations reported that through the night as the storm continued, it escalated to broken power lines, downed trees, and widespread destruction.
What Does This Mean for Your Home?
Damaging winds of this magnitude caused asphalt shingles to break, rip, and fly off of homes. Not to mention the enormous chunks of hen-sized and grapefruit-sized hail which accompanied it. Massive clouds of great force brought alarm and concern for families and their homes. The following video taken by a passerby was taken as the storm approached St John
What Can I Expect as Damage?
This storm brought hail in various sizes, with the largest being near hen-sized chunks of ice.
Hail even the size of 1” in diameter can create great damage, and a professional inspection is advised once the storm has passed. What are some ways this size of hail can damage your home?
- Create dents in shingles
- Bruise the underlayment
- Dented or cracked siding
- Rip holes in window and/or door screens
- An excessive amount of granular loss
Hail can create even more damage, closer to what Larned and St John experienced. Add to the above list,
- Broken ridge caps or roof vents
- Even more destruction to siding, including areas being torn off
- Cracks in doors and windows from impact
Add to this, the strong winds presented in this storm, and your home can be hit by falling trees, broken branches, or areas of roof materials ripped off the house. There will be days of cleanup and repairs that need to be addressed.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Contact Shull Remodeling and Construction for assistance in a full and thorough inspection and guidance on any repairs needed. Don’t wait to get the areas fixed or another storm may create more damage. We are just beginning storm season in the Kansas area. Keep your home safe this season and call Shull Remodeling and Construction, a reputable Great Bend roofing expert, for assistance.