Hailstorms in Charlotte, NC

The sound of hailstones tapping on your window is a subtle reminder from nature that it can wreak havoc in your life at a moment’s notice.

A ferocious hailstorm raining on your hometown of Charlotte, NC, isn’t something to take lightly.

If you’ve experienced hail damage on your property, contact All Dry USA, where our team of experts will handle the board-up, water damage restoration, and mold remediation services for Charlotte residents in need.

Does Charlotte Get Hail?

Unfortunately, hail is common in Charlotte, NC, with reports of on-the-ground hail events every year.

Contrary to what you may think, hail storms generally occur during warmer months when thunderstorms develop. 

Hailstones form when thunderstorm updrafts carry raindrops into cold parts of the atmosphere, freezing them into ice particles. When the updrafts can no longer support them, the hailstones fall to the ground.

Is Hail Common in Charlotte?

Hail is particularly prevalent in Charlotte, NC, due to warm and humid climates. Climate change is a staple in the southeastern region of the U.S., making it more susceptible to thunderstorms.

As climate change impacts the North American hemisphere, warmer temperatures can lead to more moisture in the atmosphere, which is more conducive to the formation of thunderstorms and hail.

What Are the Hazards Associated With Hailstorms?

Hailstorms are a destructive force of nature, causing all kinds of property damage. It’s also a safety hazard that can potentially wreck cars or seriously injure people. Here are some hazards you should be aware of.

Hazardous to Driving

Depending on the environmental conditions and the hail size, they will fall at various speeds. Small hailstones with a diameter of less than 1 inch fall at speeds between 9 and 25 mph, while hailstones between 1 and 1.75 inches fall at 25 and 40 mph speeds.

Hailstones can break or crack the windows or windshield and dimple the body of your car. Typically, hailstorms involve slick road conditions and reduced visibility, increasing drivers’ risk of losing control of their vehicles.

Property Damage

Hailstorms can devastate Charlotte homes, with damage varying depending on the speed and size at which they fall. These hailstones cause dents in shingles, siding, and gutters, ruining the property’s functionality and aesthetics. They can even break windows, leading to water damage and leaks. Once there’s an opening in your property, your home is vulnerable to flying debris and uninvited insects.

The experts at All Dry USA can assess the damage to your home and provide a comprehensive plan to restore it to its pre-hail condition. We use state-of-the-art equipment to quickly repair the damage and eliminate potential hazards like mold that commonly form inside homes after hailstorms.

Dangerous to People and Animals

While hailstorms are notorious for inflicting significant damage to crops and property, they pose a safety threat to people and animals. Hailstones can fall with enough force to cause injury, especially head trauma.

The severity of the injury ranges from minor bruises to broken bones or concussions. It’s imperative to take shelter and have all family members and pets stay indoors. Make sure to stay away from skylights and windows, so you can avoid injuries that would occur from shattering glass.

Preparing for a Hailstorm

Before a hailstorm, here are some ways to prepare:

• Reinforce your windows: Storm shutters are necessary to protect against inclement weather. Look into rolling metal shutters since they provide the most protection.
• Bring outdoor items inside: Move outdoor equipment and patio furniture to a safe space such as a shed or garage. Cover any larger items you can’t move with a protective barrier like a tarp to mitigate damage.
• Trim trees: Hailstorms produce heavy winds. Trim any trees near your home to prevent danger and damage from fallen trees or branches.
• Listen to weather alerts: Follow the weather watch alerts to know when the storm will pass. Consider getting a hand-crank or battery-powered radio for updates in case a power outage occurs.

Staying Safe During a Hailstorm

During a hailstorm, to keep yourself and those around you as safe as possible, here are some steps to take:

• Move inside: Hailstones pose a safety threat to humans and animals, so bring everyone inside. Also, avoid windows and curtains, where vulnerable glass can break.
• Pull over to a covered area: If you’re driving, you don’t want to be left vulnerable. Find a covered area to park in, such as a parking structure. If there isn’t a covered area, try to find a safe location and cover your head.
• Avoid using electronics or appliances: Hailstorms are commonly associated with thunderstorms. Lightning can easily travel through wiring, which can electrocute anyone that touches an appliance powered by an outlet.

What to Do Following a Hailstorm

In the aftermath of a hailstorm, here are some things you can do to help facilitate the speedy restoration of your property:

• Document everything: Scour your property to find all the damages from the hailstorm. Look for leaks around the house, appliance damage, roof damage, broken windows, torn-off trees, and even mold. Doing so will be important when filing your insurance claim.
• Contact your insurance company: Having records and pictures or videos of the damage makes the claims process go more smoothly. Once the claim is submitted, they’ll send an adjuster to your home to assess the damage.
• Contact a professional top-rated restoration company: It’s essential to call a trusted restoration company like All Dry USA after property damage. The damage in your home can be challenging to spot for an untrained eye. Experts from All Dry USA can easily identify and address these kinds of problems in your home.

Suffering From Hailstorm Damage in Charlotte, NC? ADU Can Help

Hailstorms are unpredictable. Being prepared in advance will save you from the heartache of property damage.

Contact All Dry USA immediately if a hailstorm has already delivered a significant blow to your property. We offer Charlotte residents a wide range of property board-up, water damage, and mold remediation services. Get in touch with us today!