Is your home ready for an ice storm? Ice storms can cause power outages that can last up to several days, affecting both you and the surrounding area — that’s why it’s important to have a week’s supply of food and prescriptions. What else would you need?
Ice storms can easily break tree branches, so trim weak or damaged branches around your home, and don’t park your car under trees. After you’ve parked, don’t leave your wipers raised…contrary to popular belief, doing so increases the chance of wiper damage.
Ice storms, also known as glaze events or silver storms, are a type of winter storm characterized by freezing rain.
How Ice Storms Form:
- Warm Air Above, Cold Air Below: Ice storms typically occur when a layer of warm air sits above a layer of cold air near the ground.
- Rain Falls Through Warm Layer: Rain falls through the warm layer and remains liquid.
- Freezing at Ground Level: When the raindrops reach the cold layer near the ground, they freeze on contact with surfaces like trees, power lines, and roads.
Impact of Ice Storms:
- Ice Accumulation: The freezing rain accumulates as a clear, hard ice glaze, often exceeding 0.25 inches (6.4 mm) in thickness.
- Dangerous Conditions: This ice accumulation can create hazardous conditions, including:
- Slippery Roads and Surfaces: Roads and sidewalks become treacherous, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Tree and Power Line Damage: The weight of the ice can damage or bring down trees and power lines, leading to widespread power outages.
- Structural Damage: In severe cases, the ice can even damage buildings and other structures.
Safety Tips for Ice Storms:
- Stay Informed: Closely monitor weather forecasts and warnings issued by the National Weather Service.
- Avoid Travel: If possible, stay indoors and avoid travel during an ice storm.
- Prepare Your Home: Make sure your home is winterized and adequately stocked with food, water, and other supplies in case of power outages.
- Dress Warmly: If you must go outside, dress in layers of warm clothing and wear boots with good traction.
- Be Aware of Falling Objects: Watch out for falling ice from trees, power lines, and other structures.
Additional Information:
- Ice storms can occur anywhere in the world, but they are most common in the eastern and central United States, as well as parts of Canada and Europe.
- The severity of an ice storm can vary depending on the amount of ice that accumulates, the duration of the storm, and the temperatures.
- Ice storms can have a significant economic impact, causing billions of dollars in damage each year.
I hope this information helps you understand what ice storms are and how to stay safe during these winter weather events. Remember, it’s always best to be prepared and take precautions before an ice storm hits.