Hailstorms

Hail is a type of solid rain made up of balls or lumps of ice. Storms that produce hail which reaches the ground are known as hailstorms. They typically last for no more than 15 minutes but can cause injuries to people and damage buildings, vehicles and crops. When hail builds up it can cause a loss of power, bring down trees and cause flash floods and mudslides in steep areas. Hailstorms can sometimes be accompanied by other severe weather events, such as cyclones and tornadoes. On rare occasions, massive hailstones have been known to cause concussions and fatal head injuries.

A winter storm brings cold weather and snow to many areas of Palestine in January 2021.

Do you know to prepare for a hailstorm?

Do's and don'ts

  • Prepare your building, for instance by installing storm shutters
  • Monitor weather conditions and alerts for dangerous weather
  • Identify safe places inside and outside your home
  • Don't shelter by natural lightning rods, such as tall trees
  • If you are in a vehicle, stop but remain inside
  • Watch for secondary hazards such as flooding and mudslides