Freak hailstorms are sudden and intense weather events characterized by the formation of large hailstones. These storms can occur in various regions, often during severe thunderstorms, and are caused by strong updrafts that carry moisture high into the atmosphere. When the moisture freezes, it forms hailstones that can grow larger as they are lifted and dropped multiple times before falling to the ground. The size of hailstones can vary significantly, with some reaching the size of a golf ball or even larger. Meteorologists study these storms to understand their patterns and predict their occurrence, helping to mitigate damage to crops, vehicles, and buildings.