Hailstorms can injure people and animals and destroy property. In 1977, a DC-9 airplane crashed in Georgia after both engines ingested hail and lost thrust. The plane crashed onto a road, killing eight people on the ground and 62 people aboard. Commercial airliners have made emergency landings because of hail, including situations where cockpit windshields were damaged so severely the pilots could not see through them.

Hail comes in many sizes. It can be as small as a pea or as large as a baseball. The largest hailstone recorded weighed nearly two pounds and had a circumference of 18 inches, according to the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL).

Hailstorm driving tips

If you see hail in the forecast, delay your trip if possible. Weather forecasting services and apps can provide real-time updates and alert you about unexpected weather changes. But if hail comes on suddenly or you can’t avoid travel, try these tips:

Reduce your speed

Hailstorms can create slick, slippery conditions, increasing the risk of skidding or losing control of your vehicle. Some storms produce a lot of tiny hail that piles up on roadways, looking like snow. If you’re caught in a sudden hailstorm, reduce your speed.

Avoid sudden braking, which could lead to dangerous skidding.

Use your headlights and windshield wipers

Visibility can significantly decrease during a hailstorm. Turn on your low-beam headlights, not your high beams, to help you see and be more visible to other drivers.

Also, turn on your windshield wipers to keep your view clear.

Maintain a safe distance

Slow down. Maintain several car lengths between you and any vehicles ahead of you. Slippery surfaces can lead to extended stopping distances. Hailstones might cause your car to lose contact with the road momentarily.

If the hailstorm reduces visibility, pull over and turn on your hazards.

Find a safe place to pull over

Find shelter for your vehicle, like a gas station or highway overpass. And beware of your surroundings. Hailstorms don’t last long, usually less than 10 minutes. But they’re often accompanied by torrential rain. Park your vehicle away from rising waters.

Avoid flood-prone areas and unstable ground

Avoid muddy zones and cars parked unsafely. Never drive through floodwaters; just 6 inches of water can carry your car away.

You’re better off pulling over in a spot that exposes your vehicle to hail but away from flooding areas or conditions that could limit your ability to drive away safely.

Park your car in the direction of the hailstorm winds

If you stop in an unsheltered area, park your car so it’s angled to face the storm winds and the hail hits your vehicle’s front. Your car’s front windshield is designed to take more impact than side or rear windows, which might shatter on impact.

The NSSL says hail can reach 9 to 100 mph, depending on its size. If you’re driving, the speed of the hail combined with the speed of your moving vehicle can cause even more damage than if your car were stopped.

Falling hail also makes it unsafe to be outdoors. It can injure or kill people and animals.

Stay inside your vehicle

The safest place is inside your vehicle. Hail can travel straight down or even sideways if strong winds carry it. It could crack or shatter the windows in your car. If hail is falling hard:

  • Cover yourself with a blanket or coat.
  • Move toward the center of the vehicle.
  • Keep your back to the windows or lie down on the seat, face-down.

Document damage to make an insurance claim

Check your vehicle for damage and document it as soon as it’s safe. You’ll need proof for your claim. Remember, you need comprehensive auto or extra glass coverage for hail damage. Liability only won’t do the trick. (Call your agent to verify you have coverage for hail.)

Navigating a hailstorm can be nerve-racking. If you apply knowledge and keep calm, you’ll be able to stay safe.