WATCH: Severe hailstorm hits Aliwal North in the Eastern Cape

Watch as roads were covered in hail after a hailstorm in Aliwal North in the Eastern Cape on Sunday. Here is the video…

By: Corné van Zyl

Roads in the Eastern Cape were covered in hail on Sunday after a severe hailstorm hit the area.

A SEVERE HAILSTORM HIT ALIWAL NORTH ON SUNDAY

Residents in Aliwal North took to social media to share their photos and videos of the storm’s aftermath.

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WATCH THE VIDEOS HERE:

LOOK AT THESE PHOTOS:

WHAT IS HAIL?

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.

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.

HERE IS HOW TO CONTACT US:

Please WhatsApp your photos to  060 011 0211. Please remember to include your name, surname, and as many details and information as you have. You are, of course, welcome to send anonymous tips and information.

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HERE ARE SAFETY TIPS FOR HAIL STORMS:

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 shelter – 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 car – 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 car – Always keep a blanket or blankets in your car,  large enough to cover all areas exposed to hailstones.
• Face the hailstorm – 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.

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