Cold Weather-Ice

An ice storm is a type of winter storm characterized by freezing rain, also known as a glaze event or, in some parts of the United States, as a silver thaw. The U.S. National Weather Service defines an ice storm as a storm which results in the accumulation of at least 0.25-inch of ice on exposed surfaces. They are generally not violent storms but instead are commonly perceived as gentle rains occurring at temperatures just below freezing.

• Heavy accumulations of ice can bring down trees, utility poles and communication towers.
• Ice Storms can disrupt communications and power for days.
• Small accumulations of ice can be extremely dangerous to motorists and pedestrians.
• Bridges and overpasses become dangerous quickly as they freeze before other surfaces.