All hail the relative absence of hail on the Prairies.
That could well be the celebratory cry for farmers with the number of damaging hailstorms tracking below the five-year average, according to the Canadian Crop Hail Association.
In its report for August, issued Sept. 5, the CCHA listed two hailstorms of note in Alberta, two in Saskatchewan and four in Manitoba.
In Alberta, an Aug. 18 hailstorm affected areas around Elk Point, Heinsburg, Two Hills, Vermilion, Dewberry and Marwayne. Pea-sized stones blew in with up to one inch of rain.
An Aug. 24 storm was more widespread with large cells bringing rain and winds up to 120 km-h in some regions.
Damage occurred to roofs, trees and grain bins. Areas affected included Rocky Mountain House, Ponoka, Ferintosh, Lacombe, Vegreville, Barrhead and Hazel Bluff.
The CCHA also listed small localized storms in the province with light to moderate hail damage.
In Saskatchewan, an Aug. 26 storm resulted in a few hail claims from areas near Antler, Bethune and Carievale.
An Aug. 31 hailstorm passed through Yorkton but there were no details on damage or claims.
In Manitoba, the Gladstone area and regions south to Austin, Notre Dame and Somerset resulted in mild to moderate damage Aug. 21.
Adjusters are trying to stay ahead of the combines, the CCHA said in its news release.
Also on that day, hail hit areas between Fisher Branch, Riverton and Arborg with moderate damage reported.
On Aug. 26, a hailstorm near Melita, Minto and Pierson resulted in “only a handful of claims.”
A Sept. 1 storm cell travelled along the border with Saskatchewan, affecting areas near Rhein and Roblin.
