Ice Storm

winter weather · freezing rain · ice

Freezing rain falls. During an ice storm, rain falls from clouds but freezes the moment it touches the cold ground, trees, and power lines, creating a glassy coating of ice.

Also called silver storms. Ice storms are sometimes called glaze events or silver storms because they make the whole landscape sparkle and shimmer like it's been dipped in glass.

Officially measured. The National Weather Service says an ice storm happens when at least 0.25 inches of ice builds up on exposed surfaces, which might not sound like much but can be dangerously heavy.

Deceptively gentle. Unlike thunderstorms or blizzards, ice storms are usually quiet and peaceful, with soft rain falling, so they can sneak up on you before everything becomes icy and treacherous.

Dangerous power outages. The weight of ice coating power lines and tree branches can snap them, leaving whole towns without electricity for days.