Hailstorms in New York

Living in New York comes with its challenges, and no, we don’t just mean the hustle and bustle of the city! Due to its location in the country, New York is occasionally prone to extreme weather. This can mean severe issues – not just for you but for your home.

One of these hazardous weather conditions is hailstorms – yes, that’s right, where ice falls out of the sky onto your roof and car. Staying safe and protecting your home is paramount when hailstorms hit. Read on to find out exactly how to do that.

Does Hail Occur in New York?

The simple answer is yes, the Empire State does experience hail – and it’s not always when you’d expect. In fact, you might be surprised to learn that hail is much more prevalent in the summer months than in any other. This is all thanks to a specific type of cloud that only tends to be present in summer storms.

Cumulonimbus clouds are the producers of hail, and when they rise high enough in the sky in colder conditions, the water vapor crystalizes and becomes ice. Sometimes the cloud fluctuates its height. Each time it reaches cold temperatures, the hail stones become bigger until they’re too heavy to stay in the cloud – and that’s where your roof comes in.

Is Hail Common in New York?

In the past decade, the number of hailstorms in New York has averaged about 13 per year. This number is not insignificant, especially given the extensive damage hailstorms can cause. Indeed, the Long Island Herald listed New York as number 14 out of 44 states with the most hailstorms.

And it’s not just the regularity of the storms to watch out for, it’s the size of the hailstones themselves. Reports show that the hailstones we’ve experienced in recent years are record-breaking in size — unfortunately, the bigger the hailstones, the worse the damage they could cause.

What Are the Hazards Associated With Hailstorms?

Danger for Drivers

It’s undeniable that driving during any storm is dangerous, but with hailstorms, there is an added hazard. Due to the height that the hailstones are falling from, they can potentially do some real damage. Parts of a vehicle, such as windows and windscreens, are in danger of shattering should they be hit.

But that’s not the only thing to be mindful of. Your visibility may be significantly reduced during a hailstorm, making driving far more challenging than on a sunny day. The noise of failing hailstones, the lack of visibility on the road, and the icy roads can be a recipe for disaster.

Injury to Humans

While it’s not safe to be driving during a hailstorm, there is one benefit to being in the car during one: protection from falling hailstones. Unfortunately, there is a significant risk of injury to people if they are out and about when a hailstorm hits. Finding cover is vital for safety.

It’s not unheard of for someone to experience a severe concussion or head injury from falling hailstones. Even worse, there have been reported cases of death in adults following head trauma due to being hit by hail.

Injury to Animals

Unfortunately, the same can be said for animals and pets. Keeping your pets safe during a hailstorm is very important to protect them from injury. Something else to consider on top of the physical damage they might experience is the mild or severe anxiety they may experience due to the storm. Doing a quick headcount of all people and pets during a storm is a great way to ensure everyone – even your furry friends – is safe.

Damage to Property

By far and away, hailstorms are among the most expensive natural disasters in the United States. And it’s not hard to see why. When balls of ice fall from the sky, the damage is bound to occur somewhere. Unfortunately, it’s likely your property will take the brunt of that.

As may be expected, glass ceilings and skylights are the most common area of damage, but metallic surfaces can also face issues, with dents being very common post-hailstorm. Other damages to consider are potential water damage and mold. A leaking roof due to a hole from a hailstone may cause more damage than initially expected if you don’t take the proper precautions.

Preparing for a Hailstorm

As you can see, preparation is vital to ensuring minimal damage during a hailstorm. Part of that preparation means protecting yourself, your family, your car, and your home. In this list below, we’ll cover preparations for you and your family.

• Close all windows, doors, curtains, and blinds
• Unplug electronics and have a flashlight handy – with extra batteries!
• If in a car, pull over somewhere safe and try to protect yourself from the windows
• If at home, put any vehicles in the garage, if possible, or cover them with a blanket
• Cover all outdoor items and furniture
• Check your roof to ensure there is no visible damage ahead of the storm; this could become further damaged as a storm approaches

Staying Safe During a Hailstorm

If you’re in New York when a hailstorm is due, it’s crucial to get inside or under cover as soon as possible. Staying safe will protect you and your loved ones from falling hailstones. If you are in the city, try to avoid glass buildings and ceilings as much as possible, as this is where most of the damage will likely hit.

Other tips to stay safe during a hailstorm are:

• Take shelter inside and stay away from windows and glass ceilings
• If you are outside with no protection, crouch down and use your arms to protect your head and neck
• Stay away from tall structures like trees or poles, as lightning can be prevalent during a hailstorm

What To Do Following a Hailstorm

After a storm has finished, there are some key steps you can take to ensure any damage done is handled quickly and efficiently. Of course, the priority is for you, your loved ones, and your pets to remain safe from injury. Once checked:

• Take a look around your whole property to check for any damage, particularly a leaking roof
• Do the same for your car and outdoor furniture
• Check for gas leaks
• If there has been a power outage, switch off all electricals
• Take photos and keep an inventory of any damage done
• If you spend any money clearing up the damage, keep the receipts
• Contact your insurance company and clean-up or restoration crew

Suffering From Hailstorm Damage in New York? ADU Can Help

If you live in New York, it may be the case that you experience property damage from a hailstorm. In this case, fixing any issues quickly and efficiently is essential – and that’s where All Dry USA can help.

We specialize in mold removal and water damage restoration services and dedicate ourselves to helping you get your property back up to scratch as quickly as possible. Get in touch now to find out more.