disaster 5th 1108_5th ed 2011 - Homeland Security and Emergency ...

What are YOU gonna do about…
HAILSTORMS
Hail is the largest form of precipitation that begins as tiny ice pellets and
grows by colliding with supercooled water droplets as it gets tossed around
violently in strong updraft winds. As the pellet continues to be tossed, it
builds layer by layer until it becomes so heavy that it drops out of the sky
as hailstones.
Hailstone diameters can range from 1/16 of an inch to 5 inches (2 mm to 13
mm) - basically meaning they can range in size from tiny pebbles to golf
balls to softballs. One of the largest hailstones ever recorded in the U.S.
weighed 1 pound 15 ounces and had a 18.62 inch (47 cm) circumference.
Hail is usually present in powerful storms like tornadoes, thunderstorms
and even some winter storms mainly due to the strong winds and rapidly
rising air masses needed to form hailstones.
The U.S. averages about 3,000 hailstorms each year across the country and
a majority of the storms occur between March and June. Hail occurs all
across Canada but more frequently in the Canadian Prairies (particularly the
Calgary-Medicine Hat area). This region can expect up to 10 hailstorms a
year and most damaging hailstorms generally occur from May to October.
BEFORE A HAILSTORM:
Since hailstorms are pretty localized events, it is difficult to prepare for
“hail”, however please review the other topics that create hailstorms
(Thunderstorms, Tornadoes and Winter storms) to learn what to do and
how to protect yourselves during these events.
Listen - Keep up on local radio or TV weather forecasts and updates.
Park it - If possible, secure vehicles in a garage or under substantial cover.
Bring ‘em in - Put pets and livestock in a shelter for their safety.
Stay put - Stay inside until the entire storm system passes.
DURING A HAILSTORM:
Listen - Keep radio or TV tuned in for more information and updates on
weather conditions and other types of warnings.
60 www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-4325