Hail

Hail is a type of solid precipitation, distinct from, but often confused with sleet. Sleet generally falls in colder temperatures while hail growth is inhibited at very cold temperatures. Hail creation is possible within thunderstorms and is formed when water vapor in updrafts reaches a freezing point. Ice then forms and is suspended in the air by updrafts and falls down to be coated by water again. This process can occur over and over, adding many layers to the hailstone. Hailstones can be small as peas or as large as softballs—and the larger ones can cause injury and serious damage. According to the National Weather Service, the average hailstorm lasts only five minutes, but the damage it causes totals about one billion dollars a year. 

How to Minimize Hail Damage

• Large hail can shatter windows. Closing the drapes, blinds or window shades can help prevent the wind from blowing broken glass into your home or buildings.
• Whenever possible, park your vehicles inside a garage or under a carport.
• Patio and lawn furniture can be dented, broken or even shattered by hail. Move these items indoors or under a covered area when not in use.
• If you have plans to replace the roof covering on your home or business, consider using impact-resistant material if you live in a hail-prone area.

Lightning Safety Tips

Lightning is the third largest storm-related killer in the U.S. and causes nearly one billion dollars in damage per year. Storms can strike any time and in almost any location year-round, so if you are participating in any outdoor activities while a storm is brewing, it might be time to take cover.

• As soon as you hear thunder, stop all outdoor activities and get into a building or a hard-topped vehicle for safety. If you can’t get to safety, stay away from open fields, hilltops, tall trees or other tall objects. Go to the lowest place possible, such as a ravine or valley, and squat in a baseball catcher’s position—with your heels touching, ears covered and head between your knees. Do not lie flat and minimize contact with the ground. Avoid water and anything metal.
• If you are driving, park in a safe location. Stay in the vehicle with the emergency flashers on until the storm subsides. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that can conduct electricity.
• If you are indoors, unplug all televisions, computers and other high-value electronics. Stay away from windows and doors and do not go on porches. Avoid taking baths or showers during storms since water conducts electricity. 
• If you think your house has been struck by lightning, evacuate immediately and call 911. You may want to ask your fire department to check for hot spots in your walls. If you use gas for heating and cooking, contact your gas company or a licensed contractor to check for leaks before re-entering your home. 

Tornadoes

Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the groud. Tornadoes can destroy buildings, flip cars and create deadly flying debris. A tornado can happen anytime, anywhere, with intense winds over 200 miles per hour.

If you are under a tornado or severe weather warning:

• Visit NOAA Weather Radio and your local news or official social media accounts for updated emergency information. Follow the instructions of state, local and tribal officials.
• Seek safe shelter immediately, such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar or small interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
• Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls.
• Do not go under an overpass or bridge. You’re safer in a low, flat location.
• Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death.
• Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
• If you can’t stay at home, make plans to go to a public shelter.

Preparing for a Tornado

• The Southeast has a greater risk for tornadoes, so be aware of that.
• Know the signs of a tornado, including a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud, an approaching cloud of debris or a loud roar like a freight train.
• Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and NOAA Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. If your community has sirens. Then become familiar with the warning tone.
• Pay attention to weather reports. Meteorologists can predict when conditions might be right for a tornado.
• Identify and practice going to a safe shelter, such as a storm shelter of a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
• Consider overlapping hazards such as COVID-19 before going to a public disaster shelter and follow the CDC’s guidelines.
• Plan for your pet. Pets are an important part of your family, so include them in your family’s emergency plan.
• Prepare for a long-term stay at home or sheltering in place by gathering emergency supplies, cleaning supplies, non-perishable foods, water, medical supplies and medication.

Staying Safe During a Tornado

• • Immediately go to a safe location that you have identified.
  • Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.
  • Do not try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle. If you are in a car or outdoors and cannot get to a building, cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body with a coat or blanket, if possible.