Protect Your Home From Hail Storms

Hail forms inside strong thunderstorm clouds when warm, moist air rises quickly, updrafts carry water droplets into very cold parts of the storm, and ice layers build up on those droplets. When the hailstones become too heavy for the updrafts to hold them up, they fall to the ground.

Key factors in hail formation are:

• Strong updrafts inside a thunderstorm cloud that lift droplets high into cold air
• Super-cooled water droplets that freeze when encountering a cold surface
• Repeated circulation of ice particles within the storm

During a hailstorm, hailstones scatter the sunlight and the surrounding moisture in the atmosphere. The scattering can cause the sky to appear greenish, particularly where the hailstorm is occurring.

It is important to note that a green sky does not necessarily mean a hailstorm is imminent, and not all hailstorms create a green sky. Tornadoes or thunderstorms can cause a green sky too.

Some regions see hail more often or larger hailstones because the atmosphere, high winds, and terrain combine to produce strong storms.

Common hail-prone areas:

• The U.S. Great Plains: Warm, moist air meets cold and dry air, making strong updrafts frequent. 
• Elevated terrain and mountainous regions: Higher altitudes reduce melting time, so hail reaches the ground more often.
• Regions where spring and early summer storms develop rapidly under atmospheric instability.

Hailstones can cause significant damage to an aircraft’s exterior, including the windshield, fuselage, wings, and engines. The hailstones collide with the aircraft at high speeds, causing dents, scratches, and even cracks in the exterior surfaces. Hail can also damage the aircraft’s engines and other critical components, which can affect the aircraft’s ability to fly safely.

Beyond the physical damage, hail can impede an aircraft’s performance when hailstones accumulate on the wings and other surfaces, increasing its weight and altering its aerodynamics. This can make it difficult for the plane to maintain altitude or control its direction.

Hail can strike quickly and with force. Protecting your family means getting to shelter, avoiding hazards, and planning appropriately for home safety.

Safety actions for your family:

• Move indoors immediately, and stay in a room without windows or clear overhead protection.
• Keep away from glass doors, skylights, and windows during the hail event.
• Ensure pets, children, and anyone outdoors are brought inside or under shelter if possible.
• Avoid driving during large hailstorms. Pull over safely under a shelter if you must stop on the road.
• Check alert systems, keep a charged phone handy, and stay tuned to official updates.

Hail can damage roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. You can reduce the impact by strengthening vulnerable parts of your home and property.

Steps to protect your home:

• Use impact-resistant roof coverings rated for hail, especially if you are living in hail-prone regions.
• Install storm-rated windows or protective coverings/shutters over vulnerable glass to protect from severe storms.
• Clear gutters, secure lawn furniture, and trim trees so large hail and debris don’t collect or cause secondary damage.
• Secure or store outdoor furniture, grills, and decorative items so they do not become projectiles.
• Park vehicles under cover (garage or carport) when a hail threat is identified.