Hail Ahead–Weather Tips for Hazardous Conditions

Caltrans Press Release:

Caltrans District 1, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service in Eureka (NOAA), and the Humboldt Area California Highway Patrol (CHP) remind motorists that fall and winter bring the threat of hail showers to Northwest California. Accumulating hail on roadways can result in very slick driving conditions. In fact, driving on a hail covered road is very similar to driving on a sheet of ice. Motorists can easily lose control of their vehicle resulting in a collision. 

In its second year, the “Watch for Hail” campaign will include hail event notifications using social media and news alerts, the display of real-time hail weather event information on Caltrans District 1 highway electronic message signs, and the use of posters with driving tips displayed in public places. Learn more by visiting the “Watch for Hail” web page at: www.dot.ca.gov/dist1/hail/. . 

Here are some hail weather event driver’s safety tips: 

·        Dark clouds ahead signal the potential for hail. 

·        Slow down and use your seatbelts. Small hail will make roads icy. Keep a constant watch for other vehicles. 

·        Turn on your headlights. Anytime your windshield wipers are on, your headlights are required to be on – it’s the law. 

·        Turn off cruise control. This will allow you to better react to sudden weather changes. 

·        Don’t panic. If you begin to slide on a hail covered roadway, slowly take your foot off the gas pedal. And remember, don’t slam on the brakes or make any sudden steering adjustments. 

“Hail storms on the north coast can create extremely hazardous driving conditions,” said CHP Humboldt Area Commander, Captain Adam Jager.  “Hail storms have been the cause of far too many traffic collisions that have resulted in injury and lives lost.  Our goal by partnering with Caltrans District 1 and the National Weather Service in Eureka in launching this Watch for Hail campaign is to ultimately reduce weather related traffic collisions and ultimately save lives.” 

“Hail showers occur most often in the winter and early spring, but can occur in the fall as well,” said Nancy Dean, Meteorologist in Charge, National Weather Service Eureka. “Motorists should be on the lookout for dark, stormy clouds ahead and/or very heavy rainfall. Both can indicate the potential for small hail on the road just ahead.” 

“Weather conditions can change quickly on the north coast.  Most winter accidents are the result of driving too fast for the conditions.  Slow down, use your seat belt and arrive safely to your destination,” said Charlie Fielder, Caltrans District 1 Director.