Weighing in at 22 pounds and eight inches in diameter, the largest hailstone ever recorded in the U.S. was found in July 2010. But this stone was just one of many and by the time hailstones reach just an inch and half, property damage is almost a guarantee. Are you prepared?

Every year, hail storms in North America cause over $10 billion in damage; in 2017 alone, 11 million properties were affected by hail, making it one of the worst years in U.S. history. While more likely in the central U.S. and mid-Atlantic states, nearly every state has gotten a taste of hail storm damage. The challenges lie in not only how destructive hail stones can be, sometimes reaching the size of softballs, but also how unpredictable their trajectory and volume can be. Luckily, risk assessment tech and notification systems can show us the vulnerabilities in our homes and help warn us when hail is incoming. Insurers turn to AI capabilities to help monitor properties under their coverage, educate consumers on risks, and advise the right building materials to withstand hail stones.

In 2017, extreme weather led to $330 billion in global property damage. Here’s how to protect yourself and your home from the devastating effects of hail, assess damage afterward, and prepare yourself against the forces of nature in the future.