In South Africa, the hail season usually occurs during hot, summer weather. Hailstorms can arrive unexpectedly at a particular spot, and for this reason, motorists need to know what to do in this situation.
Before we describe what procedure to follow when driving in a hailstorm, let us find out more about hailstones.
What is hail?1
Hail is made up of frozen droplets of water ranging in size from 3 mm to 5 cm. Hail is similar to rain as it provides water to farming areas and dams, but it can be extremely destructive to crops, livestock, vehicles, and infrastructure.
How is hail made? 1
Hail formation requires strong convection currents or updrafts that transport water droplets rapidly upwards. This is why hail is most likely to occur during summer thunderstorms in South Africa. Updrafts of between 35 – 55 km/hr are required for small hailstones to form, whilst stronger updrafts of about 80 km/hr are needed to produce golf-ball-size hailstones. Hailstones grow in clouds that contain supercooled water that is below 0°C.
When does hail fall? 1
Eventually, when enough ice has been added to a hailstone, it becomes too heavy for the strong updrafts to keep it up in the air, and a powerful downdraft can release many hailstones.
Know where the hail belts occur1
Motorists should know which areas in South Africa are more likely to experience hailstorms. Hailstorms occur more frequently in the northern and western regions of the Eastern Cape, the interior of KwaZulu-Natal, the Highveld areas of Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and the eastern Free State.
What happens when you are on the road and a hailstorm strikes?2,3
This can certainly be a traumatic experience depending on the size of the hailstones. As the saying goes, ‘prevention is better than cure’ – it is better to be prepared than to suffer huge damage to your car and property. The following steps can be followed to minimise potential damage.
- Reduce speed and find shelter2,3
By driving slowly, hail damage is minimised and reduces the risk of driving over slippery surfaces. If you are fortunate enough to be near a garage or an overhead bridge, park there until the storm is over. Do not park under trees as falling branches could damage your car even further.
- Remain in your car2
Remember that hailstones are extremely hard and heavy, and, if large enough, can seriously hurt or even kill you.
- How to avoid severe damage to your car2
Always keep a blanket or blankets in your car, large enough to cover all areas exposed to hailstones.
- Face the hailstorm3
It may be tempting to place the car’s rear into the oncoming hailstorm, but rather face the storm. The windscreen and headlights can withstand more significant impacts than side windows or tail lights. Be sure to park your car safely on the side of the road if no shelter is available.
Make sure that your car insurance policy has covered you for hail damage. If not, contact PMD to find out more about their affordable car insurance. For instance, third party car insurance with PMD may include fixed premiums* and cover for hail damage of up to R10 000.* T’s and C’s apply.
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.
Sources:
3https://www.aa.co.za/insights/how-to-protect-your-car-from-hail-damage