Severe hailstorms in the western United States can show up with barely any warning. Fast-falling chunks of ice can damage homes, vehicles, and crops in minutes.
These storms usually strike during the warmer months. Strong updrafts in thunderstorms can toss hailstones big enough to shatter glass and dent metal. The safest thing to do during a hailstorm is to get indoors or into a sturdy shelter right away, then stay put until it’s over.
Understanding how hail forms and what risks it brings is the first step toward safety. Hailstones can fall at over 40 mph. Even small ones hurt people or animals caught outside.
In the West, open landscapes and higher elevations make sudden storms tricky. You really need to prepare ahead of time.
With the right steps, you can cut down on damage and injury. If you know how to get ready before a storm, protect your stuff during impact, and respond safely afterward, living in hail-prone areas gets a little less nerve-wracking.
Understanding Hailstorms and Their Risks
Hail is a kind of frozen precipitation that can damage property, injure people, and disrupt daily life. It needs specific storm conditions, and you’ll see it more often in certain parts of the western United States.
Strong updrafts and unstable air make hail more likely. Big hail is especially dangerous because it falls fast and heavy.
What Is Hail and How Does It Form
Hail forms inside severe thunderstorms. Strong updrafts lift raindrops high into really cold air, where they freeze.
These frozen droplets fall, get lifted again, and pick up new layers of ice each time.
The cycle goes on until the hailstones get too heavy for the updrafts. Then, they crash down to the ground.
Hailstones come in all sizes, from tiny pellets under 0.25 inches to large hail over 2 inches wide. Supercell thunderstorms, with their powerful updrafts, usually make the biggest stones.
If you cut open a hailstone, you’ll often see layers, like an onion. Those layers show how many times it froze and melted before it finally fell.
Severe Thunderstorms and Large Hail in the West
In the western United States, big hail usually comes with spring and summer thunderstorms. These storms pop up over plains, high deserts, and mountain foothills.
Warm, moist air from low elevations meets cool, dry air from higher up. That clash creates instability, which fires up strong updrafts.
Some places, like eastern Colorado, Wyoming, and parts of Montana, get frequent hail events because of their geography. High elevation lets storms reach freezing levels faster, so hail forms more often.
Large hail in these areas can get bigger than 1.5 inches—about the size of a ping-pong ball. That’s enough to mess up crops, dent cars, and punch holes in roofs.
Dangers Posed by Hailstones
Hailstones hurt people and animals caught outside. Even small hail can cause injuries, and bigger stones raise the risk of serious harm, especially to heads and eyes.
Property damage happens a lot. Roof shingles can crack, siding gets punctured, and windows sometimes shatter. Cars left outside often end up with dents or busted glass.
In farming, hail can strip leaves, bruise fruit, and even wipe out whole fields. Farmers and ranchers can lose a lot of money after a bad storm.
Hail also messes with travel. Roads get slick, and visibility drops fast during a storm, making accidents more likely. Sometimes, hail piles up and blocks storm drains, causing local flooding.
Preparing for a Severe Hailstorm
You really need to start preparing before the first hailstone drops. People in hail-prone places lower their risk by staying on top of changing weather, keeping supplies ready, and knowing exactly where to shelter when storms roll in.
These steps help limit injuries and property damage during rough weather.
Monitoring Weather Alerts and Forecasts
Accurate, timely information is your first defense. Check official sources like the National Weather Service or local weather agencies for severe thunderstorm and hail warnings.
Weather apps with push notifications give fast alerts, which is great when storms move in quickly. A NOAA weather radio with batteries is handy if the power goes out.
Pay attention to these terms:
- Severe Thunderstorm Watch – conditions are right for severe weather, including hail.
- Severe Thunderstorm Warning – hail or damaging winds are happening or about to happen.
Watching radar images helps you see where storms are going and how strong they are. Act as soon as a warning comes in—don’t wait until hail starts falling.
Creating an Emergency Plan and Kit
A good plan spells out what everyone in the household will do when a hailstorm warning comes. Decide how you’ll communicate if you’re separated and where to meet up after the storm.
Keep your emergency kit in an easy-to-reach spot, preferably in the safest part of your home. Include:
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- First aid supplies
- Bottled water and non-perishable food
- Weather radio
- Important documents in something waterproof
Don’t forget pets—add food, water, and carriers for them. Go through your kit at least once a year and swap out anything expired.
Identifying Safe Shelter Locations
During a hailstorm, your safety depends on being away from windows and skylights. The best spot is an interior room on the lowest floor, like a hallway, bathroom, or basement.
If you’re stuck outside and can’t get to a sturdy building, shelter inside a vehicle with the engine off. Stay low and cover your head and neck to guard against broken glass.
Don’t shelter under trees, in open fields, or in flimsy structures. Those spots offer little protection from hail or strong winds. Knowing your safe spots ahead of time saves precious seconds.
Protecting Your Home from Hail Damage
Hail can crack shingles, dent siding, bust windows, and wreck vehicles. Strong winds can also turn loose stuff into flying hazards.
Taking specific steps before hail season cuts down on expensive repairs.
Installing Impact-Resistant Roofs and Siding
Roofs take the brunt of large hail. Impact-resistant shingles rated Class 3 or 4 (UL 2218) can stand up to stronger hits without breaking. Metal roofs with the right underlayment also work well.
Siding matters too. Fiber cement, brick, or engineered wood resist dents better than vinyl or aluminum. In places with lots of hail, upgrading siding can save you money down the road.
When you’re replacing a roof, ask about hail-resistant decking and how it’s fastened. Good decking keeps panels or shingles from loosening after repeated hits.
Some insurance companies offer premium discounts if you use approved impact-resistant materials. It’s worth checking before you upgrade.
Using Storm Shutters and Window Films
Windows are especially vulnerable in a hailstorm. Storm shutters made of steel, aluminum, or reinforced polycarbonate block hail from hitting the glass.
If shutters aren’t an option, impact-resistant window films add some protection. They might not stop cracks, but they help hold glass together and lower the risk of injury or water getting in.
Permanent shutters can go on hinges for fast closing before a storm. You can also keep removable panels in the garage and mount them when hail is in the forecast.
Seal up gaps around window frames. Even small cracks let wind-driven rain in if the glass breaks, which can lead to water damage inside.
Securing Outdoor Items and Vehicles
Loose stuff outside can get destroyed by hail or turn into dangerous projectiles. Patio furniture, grills, and potted plants should come inside or go in a shed before a storm.
Cars are easy targets for big hail. If you can, park in a garage or under a solid carport. If that’s not possible, covering your car with heavy blankets or a fitted cover helps prevent dents.
Tie down anything you can’t move. That keeps it from flying around in strong winds. Securing these items protects your home and cuts down on broken windows or siding from flying debris.
Staying Safe During a Hailstorm
Hail can hit fast during severe thunderstorms, smashing roofs, vehicles, and windows. Your safety depends on finding sturdy shelter, staying away from flying glass, and watching out for hazards from damaged utilities or falling debris.
Sheltering Indoors and Avoiding Windows
When hail starts, move to the most secure part of your home. An interior room on the lowest floor is your best bet.
Windows are risky during hailstorms. Strong winds can shatter glass, sending shards flying. Stay several feet away, and close blinds or curtains to help block debris.
If you’re worried about the roof or upper floors, shelter in a hallway, bathroom, or closet with no outside walls. Keep pets inside, away from windows, and make sure they’re safe.
Don’t go outside until the storm really ends. Even small hailstones can hurt if the wind is strong enough.
Precautions for Power Outages and Carbon Monoxide
Severe thunderstorms with hail often knock out power by damaging lines. Keep flashlights and extra batteries where you can reach them easily. Skip candles—they can start fires if knocked over.
If you use a generator, put it outside and far from windows, doors, and vents. Carbon monoxide from generators is deadly and builds up fast indoors.
Unplug sensitive electronics before the storm gets bad, so power surges don’t fry them. After the storm, look for downed power lines nearby and call the utility company—don’t go near them.
Keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible to keep food cold if the power stays out for hours.
What to Do If Caught Outdoors
If hail starts while you’re outside, find sturdy shelter right away. Solid buildings or covered parking structures are best for protection.
If you can’t get indoors, use anything strong to shield your head—a backpack, jacket, or even your arms. Don’t hide under trees, since branches might break and lightning is a risk during storms.
Stay out of low spots like ditches or culverts. Heavy rain can fill them up quickly.
Don’t try to run far in hail. Find the closest safe cover and wait it out.
Vehicle Safety and Protection
Big hailstones can crack windshields, dent cars, and shatter mirrors in seconds. Drivers can avoid some damage by acting fast—choosing where to stop, how to shield the vehicle, and how to keep themselves safe from injury.
Safe Driving Practices in Hail
If hail starts while you’re driving, slow down and pull over somewhere safe. Stopping cuts down on hail’s force and lowers your chances of losing control on slippery roads.
Get completely off the road to avoid accidents. If there’s a covered spot like a parking garage, gas station awning, or carport nearby, go there if it’s safe.
Never stop under an overpass. Wind can funnel through there, speeding up hail and trapping water during heavy rain.
Inside the car, stay away from windows. If glass breaks, hail and debris can hurt you. Use a jacket, blanket, or even a floor mat to cover your head and face.
Covering and Parking Your Vehicle
Parking under a solid roof gives your car the best shot at avoiding hail damage. Garages, carports, or even multi-level parking decks can shield your vehicle from those brutal hailstones.
If you can’t find a permanent shelter, temporary covers might help minimize the impact. Options include:
| Cover Type | Protection Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thick moving blankets | Moderate | Secure tightly to prevent blowing away |
| Commercial hail protection cover | High | Designed to absorb hail impacts |
| Floor mats over windows | Low | Last-resort option to protect glass |
Fold in the side mirrors and make sure all windows are closed to help limit breakage.
If you’re parking outside before a storm, try to avoid spots close to large trees. Branches can fall during severe hailstorms and sometimes do more damage than the hail itself.
Minimizing Damage During a Storm
If you get caught in the open with no safe building nearby, there are still ways to reduce hail damage while staying inside your vehicle. Try to park so the hail hits the front of your car, not the side windows, since front glass is usually tougher.
Grab whatever’s handy—blankets, coats, floor mats—and cover the windshields and side windows to soften the blows a bit.
Stay away from low-lying spots where flooding is likely. Even a quick storm can leave standing water that messes with your car’s electrical systems.
Don’t leave the car until the hail stops. Heading outside during big hail events just isn’t worth the risk, with all those hailstones and flying debris.
After the Hailstorm: Assessing and Responding to Damage
Once the hailstorm moves on, focus on safety and take a careful look around. Broken glass, sharp debris, and wobbly structures can be dangerous, and hidden damage to roofs, siding, or vehicles can get worse if ignored. If you act quickly and methodically, you can prevent further loss and make repairs and insurance claims go more smoothly.
Inspecting Property and Vehicles
Start by checking your surroundings for immediate hazards like downed power lines, fallen branches, or flooded areas. Avoid these until professionals handle them.
From the ground, look for dents in gutters, missing shingle granules, or cracked roof vents since these are classic signs of hail damage. Don’t climb onto the roof unless you’re trained and have the right equipment.
Check your siding for punctures, chips, or cracks. Look at windows and skylights for fractures or broken panes—hailstones can do a number on glass. Even little cracks can lead to leaks.
Inspect vehicles for dents on the hood, roof, and trunk, plus broken lights or mirrors. Snapping photos now will make documentation easier later.
Documenting Hail Damage for Insurance
Having organized records really helps with insurance claims. Take photos and videos of all hail damage from different angles—close up and wide shots both.
Jot down the date, time, and duration of the hailstorm, and save any weather alerts you received. Details like these support your claim.
A simple table can help you keep track of the damage:
| Item/Area | Type of Damage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Roof shingles | Granule loss, dents | Seen from ground |
| Car hood | Multiple dents | No broken paint |
| Window glass | Cracked pane | Needs replacement |
Hold on to receipts for any quick repairs or protective materials, since insurers might reimburse you for those costs.
Addressing Hazards and Making Repairs
If rain or wind threatens the home, you can use temporary repairs to stop things from getting worse. Maybe you’ll toss a tarp over a leaky roof, or just seal up a window crack with plastic and tape.
Don’t mess around with electrical lines or shaky structures—let licensed pros handle those. Safety really does come first, even if you’re in a rush.
For permanent repairs like new shingles or siding, reach out to reputable local contractors. Seriously, steer clear of those “storm chasers” who pop up with offers for quick, cash-only fixes.
Acting quickly and bringing in the right people helps prevent bigger structural headaches down the road.