St. Louis baseball-sized hail poses dangers to commuters’ cars on Friday

ST. LOUIS — Meteorologists are warning St. Louis residents to prepare for up to baseball-sized hail on Friday between noon and 6 p.m., posing damage risks to countless commuter cars.

The region is no stranger to “giant” hail, which the National Weather Service considers hail larger than 2 and 3/4 inches, or bigger than a hen’s egg. The severe hail is much more common in Missouri and Illinois than meteorologists previously thought, thanks to advancements in communication and reporting technology.

With big hail comes big problems. According to Progressive Insurance, hail can total a car more easily than you’d think. Hail typically hits an entire vehicle, creating widespread damage that can be challenging to repair—from cracked windshields to bent frames and, in rare cases, engine damage.

Those without covered parking for their car when the storm hits Friday might be panicking, but don’t worry. There are some things you can do to help minimize the damage.

The most effective way to protect your car from hail damage is parking under a carport or in a garage. If that’s not an option, consider parking in a public parking garage. While there may be a fee, it’s likely far less than the cost of hail damage repairs.

If covered parking isn’t available, AAA offered a few tips to help shield your car and lessen the toll on your wallet:

• Buy a hail cover: These specifically designed covers cost about $100, can be kept in your trunk and prevent more severe damage during a storm.
• Use blankets or towels: Place thick blankets or towels over your hood, roof and trunk. Instead of using rocks or tape to hold them down, tuck them into the edges of your doors, hood and trunk.
• Car floor mats: Remove the floor mats from your car and place them rubber-side up on your windshield.
• Pull in your side mirrors: Protect the glass in your mirror by pulling them in as much as possible.
• Invest in comprehensive auto insurance: Collision and liability insurance do not cover hail damage, and the average cost of a hail damage repair is $6,543. Even with comprehensive coverage, you might be left paying out of pocket if your deductible is higher than the cost of the repair.

If you’re caught on the road when a hailstorm hits, AAA recommends turning on your low beams and paying attention to those around you before slowing down to minimize the force from the hail. When you can, pull under a covering, like a gas station, and wait until the storm passes before getting out of the car to assess the damage.