Hail storms can come on very quickly and cause extensive damage. Hail is formed during thunderstorms when rising currents of air, called updrafts, carry raindrops high into the atmosphere where they freeze. Eventually the hailstones become large enough that the updrafts can no longer lift them and they fall to earth.

Here are 4 tips on how to stay safe if you are caught in a hail storm while out on the road.

1. Stay in your vehicle – Marble sized haul falls at around 20 MPH, baseball sized hail can exceed 100 MPH!

2. Stop driving and pull under an overpass or other cover if possible

3. If you can’t find cover, park at an angle so that the hail is hitting the front of your vehicle. Your windshield is reinforced to sustain pelting objects and the wind force from forward driving, much less likely to break than the non-reinforced side and back glass.

4. In a very severe storm, lie down in the backseat keeping your back facing the windows. Cover yourself with a blanket if possible to prevent injury from glass breaking.