The occurrence and impacts of destructive hail/hailstorms in South Africa based on newspaper reports: 1900 to present

Abstract

Hail is of one the most destructive forms of precipitation. A single hailstorm has the potential to cause extensive damage to crops, livestock, property and infrastructure, and in some cases may even cause human fatalities. This dissertation aims to examine the occurrence and consequences of hail/hailstorm-related events and disasters in South Africa, as reported in newspapers since the beginning of the 20th century. The main objectives are to determine and map the areal coverage (spatial and temporal patterns) of destructive hail/hailstorms in South Africa and identify potential changes over time. Documenting the consequences and human responses due to destructive hail/hailstorms also form part of the objectives. South African hailstorms mostly covered the central and eastern parts of the country (i.e., Free State, KZN, Gauteng as well as some parts of the North West and Eastern Cape Provinces; Limpopo is also included as the eastern part of the country even though it is usually described as the northern part), with most of these destructive hail events reported in Gauteng. The provincial variations in hail day coverage are affected by elevation and latitude. The spatial dynamics of population density affect the number of reported hail events reported in newspaper articles. The hail events in each province differs in seasonal and diurnal occurrence, with most of the destructive events occurring in November between 15:00 and 18:00, accompanied by strong winds. Hail damage was mainly caused by hailstones the size of tennis balls, affecting crop and orchards, which reveal the areal extent of hail damage. Sheep, birds, and poultry are reported to be the most impacted animals by hail. Findings also show that roofs and windows (both in buildings and transport) are the most damaged by the destructive hail events. Newspaper articles also reported on human fatalities and injuries directly and indirectly during some hailstorm events. The damage is controlled by high wind speeds, the angle of hailstone impact and the weight of the hailstones.