Hail Safety Guide for Homeowners and Vehicle Owners

Hail Safety Guide for Homeowners and Vehicle Owners

Hail forms when updrafts in thunderstorms carry water droplets into extremely cold areas of the atmosphere, where they freeze. Large hail can cause significant property damage and personal injury.

During a Hailstorm

For people:

  • Move indoors immediately. Hailstones larger than 1″ can cause serious injury.
  • Stay away from windows — hail can break glass.
  • If caught outdoors with no shelter, protect your head with your arms, a bag, or a jacket.

For vehicles:

  • Move your vehicle into a garage, carport, or beneath a substantial overhang if you have time.
  • If caught driving in hail, pull over (not under a bridge — emergency personnel may need access). Angle the vehicle so hail strikes the front windshield, which is more reinforced than rear glass and side windows. Stay inside with your seatbelt on.

For property:

  • Secure or bring in outdoor furniture, decorations, and potted plants before a severe storm.

Hail Size and Damage Thresholds

| Size | Diameter | Damage Profile |

|——|———-|—————-|

| Pea | 0.25″ | Negligible |

| Marble | 0.5″ | Minor surface marks |

| Penny/Nickel | 0.75″ | Screen damage, paint chips |

| Quarter | 1.00″ | SPC “severe” threshold — granule loss on shingles begins |

| Half dollar | 1.25″ | Accelerating shingle bruising |

| Golf ball | 1.75″ | Significant shingle and vehicle damage |

| Tennis ball | 2.5″ | Severe roof damage, cracked windshields |

| Baseball | 2.75″ | Major structural and vehicle damage |

| Softball | 4.5″ | Catastrophic damage |

After a Hailstorm

1. Wait until the storm has passed — hail can be followed by lightning and additional storm cells.

2. Use our After-Storm Checklist to inspect your property systematically.

3. Use our Damage Calculator to estimate property risk based on the reported hail size.

4. Document with photographs before any cleanup or temporary repairs.

5. Contact your insurance company to file a claim before arranging permanent repairs.

Official Resources

*FindTheTornado.com does not perform inspections, repairs, or insurance work. All content is educational only.*

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