Why does wind-driven hail cause more damage than hail falling in calm air?

Wind-driven hail causes more damage than hail falling in calm air primarily because it contains more impact energy. When hail falls in the presence of strong winds, the combination of the hail's gravitational force and the additional horizontal force from the wind increases its overall velocity upon impact. This higher speed translates to increased kinetic energy at the moment of collision with objects like roofs, vehicles, and other structures.

In contrast, hail that falls in calm conditions does not benefit from this additional force, resulting in a lower impact energy when it strikes surfaces. Since the energy of the impact largely determines the extent of damage inflicted, wind-driven hail is inherently more destructive. The density or temperature of the hail itself does not significantly change due to wind, nor does it travel slower, which reinforces the fact that it is the enhanced impact energy that is the crucial factor contributing to greater damage.