Hail falls when it becomes heavy enough to overcome the strength of the thunderstorm updraft and is pulled toward the earth by gravity. Smaller hailstones can be blown away from the updraft by รขโ‚ฌยฆ Any thunderstorm which produces hail that reaches the ground is known as a hailstorm.

Hail is precipitation in the form of small ice balls or pieces with a diameter of 5 mm (about 0. 2 inch) to over 15 cm (about 6 inches). This precipitation often accompanies thunderstorms. It can damage and รขโ‚ฌยฆ