Here’s what to do if you’re caught in severe weather

NORTH TEXAS (CBSNewsTexas.com) “Looking ahead, damaging winds, heavy hail and even isolated tornadoes are possible on Thursday night commutes.

“We make sure people working in the field are well prepared, knowledgeable and constantly assessing the weather conditions,” said MedStar spokesman Matt Zawadzki.

Zavadsky says if you encounter hail while driving:

• Stay inside the car. Hail falls at high speed and can harm those in its path.
• Stop driving and stop in a safe place so that the hail does not break the windshield or any windows – driving increases the impact of hail on your vehicle. Stop under the overpass and don’t forget to pull over from the lane to the side of the road. Avoid ditches due to possible high water rise.
• Hold the car at an angle so that the hail hits the front of the car. The windshields are reinforced to resist forward movement and thrown objects. There are no side and rear windows, so they are much more prone to breakage.
• If possible, lie down and keep your back to the windows. If you have a blanket, cover yourself with it so that possible debris does not get on you.
• Stay inside your car.
• Roll to a safe place.
• If possible, lie down and keep your back to the windows.

If a tornado is close:

• Stay in the car with your seat belt fastened.
• Cover your glass head and face with a jacket, blanket, pillow, or crouch.
• Get below the roadway, duck down and take cover.

“Please do not park under the crossings,” Zavadsky said. “The problem with underpasses is that in strong winds, the wind from an underpass can be even more unpredictable than a straight-line wind or a tornado, and it can be sucked right out from under the overpass.”

If you do feel any damage, the Texas Insurance Board says there are a few things you should always do first.

“I think the first thing to take into account is to make some kind of temporary repairs,” Texas Insurance Board spokesman Richard Johnson said. “If you have damaged windows or siding, or you have holes in your home. Another thing is safety first, don’t go up on the roof.”

Instead, you are encouraged to call your insurance company, call the contractor, and ask them to do an inspection.