Hailstorms can show up out of nowhere, turning a peaceful day into chaos in just minutes. When ice starts falling from the sky, it can hurt people, wreck property, and totally disrupt your plans. Honestly, the safest move during a hailstorm is to get inside fast and stay away from windows until it’s over.
These storms usually show up with severe thunderstorms. That means you might also deal with strong winds, heavy rain, or even tornadoes all at once. If you know how hail forms and what it can do, and you can spot signs of an approaching storm, you’ve already got a better shot at staying safe.
If you learn to monitor weather alerts, protect your stuff, and act quickly, you can really minimize the damage from a hailstorm. Let’s break down what you can do before, during, and after the storm.
Understanding Hailstorms and Their Dangers
Hail is just frozen precipitation that shows up during strong thunderstorms. It can mess up property, crops, and vehicles in no time. The size and speed of hailstones decide how much trouble you’re in. Big hail? That’s dangerous for people and animals.
What Is Hail and How Does It Form
Powerful thunderstorms with strong updrafts create hail. Warm air lifts raindrops way up into super cold parts of the storm cloud, where they freeze into tiny ice pellets.
These pellets bounce around, getting more and more layers of ice. Eventually, they get too heavy for the updrafts to keep up.
At that point, the hailstones drop to the ground, sometimes at speeds over 40 mph. You might see hail as small as peas or as big as softballs. The really huge stones usually show up during intense storms.
Types of Hail Damage
Hail damage depends on how big, hard, and fast those stones are. Small hail might just dent metal or damage plants.
Large hail can break windows, smash up cars, and punch holes in roofs. In farming areas, hail can strip leaves, bruise fruit, and wipe out crops in minutes.
You’ll usually see damage in these spots:
- Vehicles: Dents, cracked windshields, chipped paint.
- Buildings: Broken skylights, damaged shingles, dented siding.
- Crops and Landscaping: Shredded leaves, broken stems, even soil erosion.
Even smaller hail can get expensive if it hits again and again or comes with strong winds.
Why Hailstorms Are Hazardous
Hailstorms aren’t just about busted roofs. Big hailstones can injure anyone unlucky enough to be outside. Head injuries, cuts, and bruises happen a lot if you can’t find shelter.
Driving in a hailstorm? That’s risky. Hail makes it hard to see, slicks up the road, and can bust your windshield. Accidents happen more often in these conditions.
Falling hail can knock down power lines and cause outages. In the countryside, hail can wipe out crops and leave livestock without food.
Since hail comes with severe thunderstorms, you might also get thunderstorm warnings, heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds. It’s a rough combo.
Monitoring Weather Alerts and Warnings
Staying in the loop before and during a hailstorm helps you avoid injuries and damage. Good alerts give you time to get to safety, move your car, and secure outdoor stuff.
How to Track Severe Thunderstorm Alerts
The National Weather Service (NWS) sends out severe thunderstorm warnings, and these often mention hail. You’ll see these alerts on TV, radio, mobile apps, and official websites.
Turn on emergency alerts on your phone. Most smartphones can get Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) for severe weather in your area.
Local TV and radio stations usually give real-time updates, and radar images help you see where storms are heading. If you check these sources during storm season, you’ll know when hail is on its way.
Bookmark the NWS website or your local weather page for quick access to current warnings and maps.
Using NOAA Weather Radio and Apps
A NOAA Weather Radio gives constant updates from the NWS, including hailstorm warnings. These radios use a nationwide network and keep working even if you lose cell service or the internet.
Some models have Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME), so you only get alerts for your county. That way, you’re not bombarded with warnings that don’t matter to you.
Weather apps add another layer. Trusted apps from the NWS or local stations send push notifications, show radar, and offer hourly forecasts.
Use both a weather radio and at least one solid app. That way, you won’t miss alerts, no matter where you are or what tech fails.
Recognizing Signs of an Approaching Hailstorm
Tech helps, but don’t ignore what’s going on outside. A sudden temperature drop during a thunderstorm can mean hail is forming above you.
Look for dark, towering clouds with a weird greenish tint—sometimes that means big hail is coming. Strong updrafts in these clouds can keep hailstones up there until they get huge.
Other signs: winds picking up, thunder getting louder, and heavy rain that stops suddenly right before hail starts.
If you watch the sky and keep an ear out for alerts, you’ll have a better shot at staying safe.
Immediate Safety Actions During a Hailstorm
When hail starts falling, the risk of injury and damage goes up fast. Big hailstones can break windows, dent cars, and seriously hurt anyone outside. Acting quickly and deliberately can really make a difference and keep people safer until the storm moves on.
Staying Safe Indoors
Once inside, move away from windows and glass doors. Strong winds can drive even small hail through glass. If you close curtains or blinds, you’ll have some protection against flying shards if a window breaks.
The safest spots are interior rooms, basements, or hallways without outside walls. These give you better protection from hail and possible roof damage.
If there’s lightning, don’t use corded electronics and stay away from plumbing. Severe weather brings hail and dangerous electrical activity more often than you’d think.
If you’ve got skylights, remember that big hail can break them. Move to a lower level to avoid injury from falling glass or debris.
Safety Tips for Driving in Hail
If you’re driving when hail hits, slow down and pull over if you can do it safely. Find shelter under a bridge or covered parking area to protect your car.
If there’s no shelter, pull as far off the road as possible to avoid getting hit by other cars. Turn on your hazard lights so others see you.
Stay inside your vehicle. Angle the car so the windshield faces the hail—it’s tougher than the side windows.
Cover your head and face with a blanket, jacket, or even your hands in case a window breaks. Wait for the storm to pass before you start driving again.
What to Do if Caught Outside
If you’re stuck outside with nowhere to go, protect your head right away. A backpack, jacket, or your arms can help shield you from hailstones.
Look for a solid structure, but if you can’t find one, crouch next to a sturdy wall or under a strong overhang. Skip standing under trees—lightning is a real risk during these storms.
Don’t run far in big hail; that just means more time getting hit. Move quickly but carefully to the nearest safe spot.
If you’re in an open field, crouch low with your back to the wind and cover your head. Lying flat just exposes you to more hail and the cold ground.
Protecting Your Home and Property
Hail can crack windows, dent siding, and punch holes in roofs. And with strong winds, loose stuff outside can turn into dangerous projectiles. A few simple steps can save you a lot of money and headaches.
Securing Windows, Doors, and Skylights
Windows and glass doors are easy targets for hail. Install storm shutters or impact-resistant glass if you can. If a storm’s on the way, even plywood panels work in a pinch.
Skylights are especially prone to breaking during hail. Pick polycarbonate or laminated glass skylights to cut down on breakage.
Weatherstripping around doors and windows keeps out wind-driven rain and stops leaks that could make hail damage worse.
Tip: Keep heavy-duty plastic sheeting and duct tape handy to quickly cover broken glass if needed.
Roof and Gutter Maintenance
The roof takes most of the hits during a hailstorm. Asphalt shingles, metal, and tile roofs all hold up differently. Upgrading to impact-rated roofing materials can save you a ton on repairs later.
Loose or missing shingles are weak spots for leaks. Check your roof regularly and fix problems before storms show up.
Clogged gutters can overflow during heavy rain, which often comes with hail. Clean gutters and downspouts at least twice a year to keep water moving away from your house.
Gutter guards help prevent blockages. This keeps water flowing and lowers the risk of water damage after a storm.
Safeguarding Outdoor Items
Outdoor furniture, grills, and garden tools can get wrecked by hail or become projectiles in strong winds. Store them in a garage, shed, or basement before storms hit.
Cars are hail magnets. Park under cover or use a hail protection cover to avoid dents and broken windows.
Trim any weak or overhanging branches from trees near your house. Falling limbs can do serious damage during storms.
If you can’t move something heavy, like a patio table, use weighted covers or tie-down straps to keep it from flying around.
Vehicle and Equipment Protection Strategies
Hail can dent metal, crack glass, and ruin outdoor equipment. The best way to protect your stuff is to keep it out of the hail and away from strong winds.
Sheltering Vehicles During Hailstorms
Parking under a solid roof is your best bet for avoiding hail damage. A closed garage keeps your car safe from big hail and flying debris.
If you don’t have a garage, a permanent carport or covered parking structure is the next best thing. These block most hailstones before they hit your car.
In public, look for covered parking at shopping centers or transit stations. Even a little cover is better than none.
If you’re on the road, only stop under a bridge or overpass if you can do it legally and safely. Sitting out in the open just leaves your car vulnerable.
Temporary Covers and Hail Protection Kits
If you can’t get your car under shelter, use portable protection. Hail blankets and padded car covers are made to absorb hail hits. Some are built for big hail and can go on pretty fast.
Hail nets and inflatable car shields create a buffer above your car, softening the blows. These are great for people without permanent shelter or those on the go.
Lightweight portable carports or “car tents” work in driveways or open spots. Just make sure you anchor them well, since hailstorms often bring strong winds.
For grills, lawn tools, or patio furniture, heavy tarps or fitted covers can help prevent dents and scratches. Always check covers for rips or loose straps before storms hit.
After the Hailstorm: Assessing Damage and Next Steps
When the hail finally stops, it’s tempting to think everything’s fine. But honestly, even small hailstones can leave dents, cracks, or leaks that might get worse if you don’t catch them early.
It’s smart to check things out carefully and move safely around any damaged spots. If you act quickly with your insurance, you can save money on repairs and keep things from getting worse.
Inspecting for Hail Damage
A careful inspection really helps you spot both obvious and hidden hail damage. Start by walking around your house and look for dents in gutters, loose granules near downspouts, or cracked siding.
If you feel safe, grab some binoculars and scan the roof for dark patches, missing shingles, or spots where the underlayment shows. Don’t climb up there without the right gear—it’s just not worth the risk.
Damage looks different depending on the material:
| Material | Common Damage Signs |
|---|---|
| Asphalt shingles | Granule loss, bruising, dark marks |
| Wood shingles | Splits with sharp edges, impact dents |
| Metal roofing | Dents, punctures, uneven surfaces |
Take photos of each damaged area from several angles. Get some close-ups and a few wider shots so you can show both the size and where the problem is.
Safety Precautions After the Storm
Even after the storm passes, hazards tend to stick around. You might find broken glass, sharp metal, or loose roofing bits, and those can cause injuries if you’re not careful.
Stay away from sagging power lines and call the utility company if you see any. Try not to walk on wet or wobbly surfaces.
If water got inside, shut off electricity to those rooms before you go in. Put on sturdy shoes, gloves, and maybe some eye protection while you check things out.
Don’t try to handle big repairs by yourself, especially anything on the roof or up high. Professional contractors have the right tools and know how to stay safe after a storm.
Filing Insurance Claims
Call your insurance provider as soon as you confirm hail damage. Snap some clear photos, jot down inspection notes, and note the date and time of the hailstorm.
Ask for a claim number, and try to keep communication in writing if you can. Some insurers want more than one repair estimate, so line up at least two from licensed contractors.
Stick around during the adjuster’s visit so you can point out all the damage. If you don’t agree with their assessment, you might want to bring in a public adjuster or a roofing inspector to get another opinion.
Moving quickly, with all your paperwork in order, gives you a better shot at getting fair coverage for repairs.