Which statement is true concerning the hazards of hail?

The correct statement regarding the hazards of hail is that hailstones may be encountered in clear air several miles from a thunderstorm. This is true because hail can be transported by strong updrafts within thunderstorms to high altitudes, where it can become airborne. When these updrafts are particularly powerful, hailstones can be flung out into the surrounding atmosphere, leading to the possibility of encountering hail even in areas that appear clear and are some distance away from the storm itself.

Understanding this hazard is critical for pilots and aviation professionals, as it highlights the unpredictability of hail and the need for vigilance even when conditions seem favorable. This nuance in weather phenomena underscores the importance of thorough weather briefings and awareness of meteorological conditions when flying, especially in areas prone to thunderstorm activity.