Some of the most common types of damage caused by powerful hail:
Damage to vehicles
Hail can strike cars hard, leaving dents and cracks in the bodywork, smashing windows and mirrors, and consequently requiring costly repairs.
Damage to homes
Roof tiles, windows, and other structural elements of homes can be damaged by large hail. This can lead to water leaks, damage to the facade and paintwork, as well as various other structural problems.
Destruction of crops
Agricultural crops can suffer greatly from any hail. And hailstorms like the ones we are seeing obviously cause even greater damage, breaking plants, destroying harvests, and consequently jeopardizing the survival the producer farmers depend on.
Physical injuries
Last but not least, there is a risk of injury to people who are outdoors during a hailstorm. Hailstones can fall with great force and speed, causing serious or even fatal injuries in the most unfortunate cases.
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How to prevent damage
Completely preventing the damage caused by hail can be difficult; indeed, it should be kept in mind that this is an unpredictable atmospheric phenomenon. Nevertheless, there are several steps you can take to minimize potential damage:
- Move your car into a garage or under a roof, and bring valuable items into the house or shed. If you don’t have a separate enclosed space, park the car under a bridge or protective structure.
- Install roller shutters or protective films on windows to reduce the risk of glass breaking during hail.
- Cover your crops. If you are a farmer or have a vegetable garden, consider installing protective netting or covers to shield your plants in case of bad weather.
- Find shelter indoors. If severe hail is expected, don’t go outside, or always stay near buildings where you can take cover if needed. If you are driving and hail begins, find a safe place to stop as soon as possible and wait for it to end.
