BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Climate and weather scientists say hailstorms inflict billions of dollars in damage each year, and the cost will rise as the growing population builds more homes, offices and factories.

But the researchers say the role of climate change in future hailstorms is harder to assess.

The experts met Tuesday at a conference at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado.

Ian Giammanco (jee-uh-MAHN-koh), a meteorologist for the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety,