Hail in Middle GA? Here’s how to prepare for severe storms
Much of Middle GA (Forsyth, Juliette) saw light to heavy hail after yesterday evening’s storms.
The National Weather Service notes that March, April and May are Georgia’s peak severe storm months, with September and October trailing not too far behind. While severe storms often come with lightning, flash floods and gusty winds, several storms also create hail. While sometimes just a nuisance, hail can be highly damaging to vehicles, homes and even crops.
According to The Weather Channel, “an estimated 24 people are injured by large hail each year.” Sometimes, one storm can injure many. “A May 1995 hailstorm in Texas injured 400 people when they were caught outside during Mayfest with very little shelter available; 60 of those injured required hospitalization.”
Hail often impacts roadway conditions. “Small hail can be dangerous because all those hailstones can completely cover roads,” according to the Weather Channel. “If these hail piles are deep enough, they can prevent car tires from touching the road at all. This makes driving conditions similar to icy winters.”
So, what should you do if a hail storm occurs?
1. Make a plan
Being prepared for severe weather always means starting with a plan. Your plan should include things like weather-proofing your home and vehicle, designating a safe zone inside your home, and gathering your loved one’s contact information in case anyone gets separated. An all-weather preparedness checklist is available on The Weather Channel’s website.
2. Seek Shelter
If you are inside, hunkering down is the best way to go during a storm, especially if hail is present. While indoors, stay away from windows and skylights, as hail can shatter glass.
If you are unable to get inside or if you are driving, pull over and seek shelter under an awning or garage. Driving during a hail storm is incredibly dangerous, not only because of unsafe driving conditions, but also because of injury from shattered glass
If you are unable to seek shelter outside of your vehicle, stay put and protect your head.
If you are outside and have no way to seek shelter, “find something to at least protect your head and stay out of ditches or lowland areas because they could fill with water. Avoid trees because they can lose branches during thunderstorms and isolated trees can also attract lightning.”
Take Photos
If your home or vehicle sustains damage in a storm, snapping some photos of that damage is typically needed for insurance purposes. However, getting some pictures sent to local news outlets and posted on social media can help others assess the nature of the storm, its route and how to prepare in the future.
This story was originally published March 17, 2022 at 6:05 PM with the headline "Hail in Middle GA? Here’s how to prepare for severe storms."
