Costly hailstorms are rapidly increasing. Here’s what the weather community is doing about it.

The author, Bryan Wood, is a meteorologist and operations analyst for Assurant. He provides forecasts and insights that help Assurant anticipate and plan for weather’s impact on clients and policyholders. Wood is based in Springfield, Ohio, and can be found on Twitter.

Monday’s hailstorm in Colorado Springs was a reminder that large hail is very dangerous. Not only can it damage property, but it can also kill wildlife and injure or kill people who do not seek adequate shelter. Along with the immediate danger that can result from hail, damage costs are often the lasting impact of a major hailstorm.