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Hailstorms: safety and survival

Severe thunderstorms can produce hailstones ranging from marble size to golf ball or grapefruit size. Large hail falls at speeds over 100 kilometers per hour (60 miles per hour), posing severe injury risks.

Do this now

  1. If outdoors: seek immediate shelter inside a sturdy building.
  2. If driving: slow down and pull under a safe overpass or gas station canopy.
  3. If inside a home: move away from windows and glass skylights to an interior room.
  4. Protect your head and face with your arms, a jacket, or a bag if caught without shelter.
  5. Stay indoors until official weather warnings end and hail stops completely.

Indoor safety during hail

  • Stay away from windows, glass doors, and skylights. Driven hail can shatter glass into room interiors.
  • Close drapes, blinds, or window shades to prevent broken glass from flying into living spaces.
  • Move to an interior room on the lowest floor (such as a hallway or bathroom).

Driving in a hailstorm

  • Pull over under a solid structure like a parking garage or gas station overhang if available.
  • If no overhang is nearby, pull completely off the traffic lanes.
  • Stop your car with the front facing into the hail. Car windshields are made of reinforced laminated glass, while side and rear windows shatter easily.
  • Lie down on the floor or front seat with your back to the windows and cover your face with a jacket or blanket.

Outdoor safety if caught in the open

  • Protect your head immediately with your hands, backpack, helmet, or jacket.
  • Do not take shelter under trees. Trees can lose heavy branches or attract lightning strikes.
  • Look for low-lying ground or culverts if no buildings are nearby, but stay aware of flash flood risks.

... note "Severe weather warnings" Weather services issue Severe Thunderstorm Warnings when hail measuring 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) or larger is detected. Always seek shelter when warnings sound.