Hailstorms can be an unpredictable hazard that puts infrastructure, vehicles and personal safety at risk. Over the past few years, severe weather events have increased in frequency and intensity, making it more necessary than ever to be informed and prepared.
In this article, you will learn what a hailstorm is, how they form, what measures to take before, during and after they pass, and how weather alerts work to anticipate these weather events. The information compiled here will allow you to: be better prepared y mitigate risks.
What is a hailstorm and how does it form?
Hail storms are meteorological events in which precipitation occurs in the form of ice. These ice stones, known as hailstones, are formed by granizo, are generated within intense storm clouds when ascending air currents carry water droplets to areas of the atmosphere with temperatures below zero.
The size of hail It varies depending on the strength of the storm and can range from small ice pellets to stones larger than 10 diameter cm, making them a considerable hazard to crops, buildings and vehicles.
Weather Alerts: How They Work and What They Mean
Weather alerts are systems designed to warn the population about adverse weather phenomena that may represent a danger. In Spain, AEMET classifies its alerts into four levels:
- Yellow notice: Moderate risk. Precautions should be taken, although it does not represent a serious threat to most of the population.
- Orange notice: High risk. It is recommended to be very vigilant and implement preventive measures.
- Red notice: Extreme hazard. Includes severe weather events that may pose a serious safety risk.
How to prepare for a hailstorm
Prevention is key to minimizing damage when a hailstorm approaches. Some recommended measures are:
- Protect vehicles: Whenever possible, park your car in a garage or under a roof.
- Protecting objects from outside: Store garden furniture, flower pots or any objects that could be damaged or become projectiles.
- Follow weather alerts: Stay informed through official services such as AEMET or specialized applications.
- Preparing for power outagesSevere storms can cause power outages, so it's a good idea to have flashlights, batteries and an emergency radio.
What to do during a hailstorm
If a hail storm has already started, follow these recommendations to protect yourself:
- Stay indoors: Avoid going outside and stay away from windows.
- Protect yourself inside the vehicle: If you are driving, stop your car in a safe place and avoid being near trees or structures that could collapse.
- safe haven: If you are outdoors with no shelter, find a sturdy structure or cover your head with your hands to avoid serious injury.
Measures to take after a hailstorm
Once the storm has passed, it is important to assess the damage and take the following precautions:
- Inspect the environment: Check roofs, windows and structures for possible damage.
- Documenting the damage: If your property has been damaged, take photographs to present if you need to make an insurance claim.
- Avoid dangerous areas: Move with caution, as there may be fallen electrical cables or weakened structures.
Understanding the behavior of hailstorms and knowing the measures to take before, during and after their passage is essential to reduce risks and protect both people and property. material goodsWith adequate information and proper preparation, it is possible to minimize the effects of these unpredictable meteorological phenomena.