Originally Posted by IO540
VFR: avoid visually, work out their track and cross behind them, not in front.
Why? The cloud moves with the wind, only. As far as the atmosphere is concerned, the cloud forms, builds up, and dies without moving along horizontally.
Because of the relatively stronger higher level winds, any overhang or anvil will form downwind of the main body of the thunderstorm. Hail ejected from the upper levels of the thunderstorm and falling outside it in clear air will generally be from this overhang area.