Hail—pellets of frozen rain that may fall at speeds of more than 100 miles per hour—can cause more than a billion dollars in damage to property, vegetation and even livestock. In fact, a 2016 hailstorm in San Antonio, Texas resulted in $1.4 billion in damage as baseball-sized hail shattered windshields on cars and punctured roofs on homes.

Hail is often the result of severe thunderstorms: as fast updrafts of air carry raindrops into the cold upper atmosphere, these droplets freeze and fall back to earth as ice. The stronger the updraft, the more the hailstone can continue to grow. For this reason, small, pea-sized hail that causes no damage may hit one area, whereas larger, quarter-sized hail that damages everything in its path could hit another area just blocks away.

“Hail Alley,” where Nebraska, Colorado and Wyoming meet, averages seven to nine hail days a year, according to the National Severe Storms Laboratory. But even if you don’t live in one of these states, that doesn’t mean you’re safe from hail. In fact, the largest hailstone ever collected in the U.S. fell in Vivian, South Dakota. (It was 8 inches in diameter and weighed almost 2 pounds.) Nearly all of the U.S. is at risk, but areas that experience cool temperatures and high winds and that frequently have severe thunderstorms are particularly prone to hail.

Predicting a Storm

Although it can be difficult to predict exactly when and where hail will appear, keeping an eye out for certain signs may help. For example, the sky may turn a greenish tint shortly before it begins to hail. Hail forms in tall cumulonimbus clouds—also known as thunderheads—and you may be able to see a “hail shaft,” a white column of falling hail that descends from the storm cloud towards the ground as it approaches your area.

Keep in mind, however, that you may not notice any particular signs that hail is headed your way. For this reason, it’s very important to follow the weather forecast. Check your local weather often, particularly during the months when hail is common in your area.

Once a severe thunderstorm has been spotted in your area, be on alert for hail. Pay closer attention to the weather reports, as hail warnings may be issued only moments before hail starts to fall. Once a hailstorm is forecast, plan to remain indoors if possible.

Before the Storm

You can minimize the potential damage from a storm by planning ahead. Consider taking these long- and short-term preventative measures to protect your home and car from hail damage:

Have the right kind of roof on your home. 

Large hail can cause roof damage, which can lead to water leakage and other problems. Fortunately, there are roofing materials that are built to better withstand damage from hail and other types of impacts. For example, asphalt and tile are ranked based on how well they can withstand hail. If you’re in the market for new roofing material, look for products with a “Class 4″ rating—these have been found to hold up well against hail.

Keep your car in a hail-safe location. 

If hail is expected in your area in the near future, consider delaying any automobile trips until after the storm has passed. Move your car to a covered parking spot, such as a garage or a carport. If you don’t have access to one, now is a good time to consider buying an automobile cover specifically designed to withstand hail. Although a cover may not protect your car completely from very large hail, it can help to minimize the damage.

You can find such covers by searching online for “car cover hail protection.” If you do not have enough time to purchase such a cover, consider layering the roof, hood and windshield of your car with blankets, car mats, wood boards or other materials to protect the car from hail damage. Any kind of covering can help to soften the blow.

During the Storm

If a hailstorm hits while you’re driving, carefully pull over to the side of the road as soon as possible. A moving car is more likely to suffer hail damage, as the impact of the hail is compounded by the speed of the car. If possible, try to find a sheltered location to pull into, such as a public parking garage or even under a remote overpass.

To avoid personal injury, remain in the car until the hail ends. Turn away from the windows, and cover your eyes, even if all you have is a piece of clothing. If possible, crouch or lay face-down on the floor of your vehicle. Do not start driving again until the hail has stopped.

If you’re at home when a hailstorm hits, keep away from the windows. If struck by a hailstone, they can shatter and cause injury. Consider moving valuable objects away from the windows as well, just in case hail breaks through.

If you’re outside, move indoors immediately. If you cannot protect your entire body as you move indoors, at least protect your head. Seek shelter under trees only as a last resort, as lose branches may fall or the tree itself may attract lightning.

After the Storm

Once the hailstorm has passed, check for property damage promptly. Survey your home and automobile for any dents, shattered glass or water leakage. If you suspect damage, hire a professional to inspect your property and to document their findings.

If you’re a customer of The Hartford, you can contact us to file a claim anytime. Make sure to work with a reputable contractor or auto-body shop experienced in repairing hail damage. For more information on how The Hartford can help protect your property, review our auto and homeowners coverages.

Hail can cause serious damage to your home, car and other personal property, but following a few basic steps can help reduce the risk of damage dramatically.

Looking to learn more about protecting your home from the inevitable? Read more here on Extra Mile.