Winter storms often bring to mind picturesque snowfalls, but freezing rain, an ice storm’s hallmark, can wreak far greater havoc. This unique weather phenomenon turns mundane landscapes into treacherous ice fields, disrupting transportation, damaging infrastructure, and creating hazardous conditions. Here’s what you need to know about freezing rain.
Freezing rain begins as snow high in the atmosphere. As it falls, the snow passes through a warm layer of air, melting into rain. If this rain then encounters a shallow layer of cold air just above the ground, it becomes “supercooled,” meaning it remains liquid even at below-freezing temperatures. Upon contact with any surface be it roads, trees, or power lines the supercooled droplets instantly freeze, creating a layer of ice.
Unlike snow, which provides some traction, freezing rain coats surfaces with an invisible, slick glaze of ice. Even a thin layer can make driving perilous, leading to accidents like the devastating 2021 pileup on Texas’ I-35W, where six lives were lost. Statistics from the Federal Highway Administration reveal that icy roads contribute to over 1,300 fatalities annually.
Freezing rain doesn’t just disrupt transportation it can paralyze entire regions. A mere 0.25 inches of ice can result in widespread power outages and broken tree branches. When ice thickness reaches 0.5 inches or more, the weight becomes too much for power lines and trees to bear, leading to prolonged outages and significant property damage.
Major ice storms have left communities in the dark for weeks. A 2007 storm in Kansas, for example, coated the Midwest in up to 4 inches of ice. With power lines and trees downed across the state, some areas experienced outages lasting two weeks, resulting in damages exceeding $136 million.
Weather maps typically depict freezing rain in shades of pink or purple, sandwiched between blue for snow and green for rain. These icy conditions are common near warm and cold air boundaries, such as the northern edge of a warm front.
Unlike snow or rain, which accumulate, ice forms through a process called “accretion,” growing layer by layer as freezing rain continues to fall. This distinction underscores the gradual yet destructive buildup of ice during a storm.
Understanding freezing rain is crucial to staying safe during winter storms. Avoid travel during ice storms, stock up on essentials in case of power outages, and monitor weather updates for signs of this slippery menace. Though visually stunning, freezing rain is a reminder of nature’s power and the need for preparedness in the face of its icy grip.
