What is an Ice Storm?

An ice storm occurs when frozen rain or hail blankets a region. Not only do roads freeze, but also ice coats trees, bushes and power lines. Because of the weight of the ice, this type of storm can cause tremendous damage to an area, pulling down trees and power lines. A few past ice storms have caused farmers to lose entire crops or power to be lost for many days.

Typically, an ice storm occurs when the ground temperature is below freezing 32 F (0 C). Above ground, the temperature is close to freezing. These storms are common in areas where one doesn’t see a lot of snow, because they don’t require the same degree of cold that would produce snow.

However, an ice storm can also affect areas that do get snow yearly. In 1998, such a storm hit Northern New York, and parts of Eastern Canada. It was immensely destructive, damaging numerous maple trees in Canada that are relied upon for the maple sugar industry. It also caused power loss for many people, about three million. Many did not have power restored for up to six weeks.

This ice storm and others are more challenging than snowstorms because they can destroy so much with a relatively small amount of ice. Generally to be defined as an ice storm, one quarter of an inch of ice (.635 cm) must fall. A quarter of an inch of snow, conversely, tends to be much easier to manage, even in regions where snow is uncommon.

Roads become perilous to drive upon because they are frozen. People lose power, crops, and trees can be pulled down. People can and have died because of limited access to driving, and thus to medical facilities, or because they may not have inadequate heating systems in their homes or emergency generators.

The 1998 storm in New York and Canada caused about 3 million US dollars (USD) worth of damage. Loss of work days and stalled business can be incalculable. Other storms have resulted in even greater financial damage. The president of the US declared parts of Kansas a disaster zone after it was hit by an ice storm in 2005. At least 39 million USD of estimated damage occurred.

An ice storm is a type of winter storm characterized by freezing rain. The raindrops become supercooled while passing through a sub-freezing layer of air near the Earth's surface and freeze upon impact with any object they encounter. This can lead to a coating of ice on roads, trees, power lines, and structures, creating hazardous conditions and potential property damage.

While both are winter weather events, an ice storm produces freezing rain that results in a glaze of ice, whereas a snowstorm brings snowfall. Snowstorms typically create conditions that are more manageable because snow can be plowed or shoveled. Ice storms, on the other hand, result in a slippery coating that is much more dangerous for travel and can cause extensive damage to infrastructure.

Ice storms can have severe consequences, including downed power lines, tree branches, and even entire trees, leading to power outages and blocked roads. According to the National Weather Service, ice accumulations of just a quarter-inch can create significant hazards, while half an inch can result in widespread damage and prolonged utility outages.

Preparation for an ice storm involves several steps: ensuring you have a supply of non-perishable food and water, flashlights with extra batteries, a first-aid kit, and alternative heating sources like a fireplace or generator. It's also wise to insulate pipes to prevent freezing and stay informed about the storm's progress through reliable weather sources.

Ice storms are most common in regions where cold air is shallow enough to be overrun by warmer air aloft, such as the central and eastern United States. The National Severe Storms Laboratory indicates that the highest frequency of ice storms in the U.S. occurs in the Great Plains near the Texas Panhandle.

Ice storms can be devastating for wildlife, as the ice can destroy natural habitats and make it difficult for animals to forage for food. Birds and arboreal species are particularly vulnerable due to the risk of falling branches and the inability to access food sources. Additionally, the weight of the ice can lead to soil compaction, which affects plant growth and health.