What is freezing rain and why it’s more dangerous than snow

Winter Storm Blair is moving across the Midwest, Ohio Valley, Appalachians, and mid-Atlantic, bringing heavy snow and freezing rain. While snow grabs headlines, freezing rain causes the most trouble. But what is freezing rain, and why is it dangerous?

Freezing rain occurs when rain falls through cold air and freezes on contact with the ground or surfaces, creating a smooth ice layer on roads, trees, and power lines. Unlike sleet, which bounces, freezing rain doesn’t bounce or melt, and it can be hard to see, making it dangerous.

Freezing rain is often overlooked because it can seem like regular rain at first. As it starts to freeze on contact, the ice can be nearly invisible, especially on bridges and roads, leading to dangerous driving conditions. Even if snow or sleet falls after the freezing rain, it may cover the ice, making it nearly impossible to spot.

Freezing rain can occur in places unaccustomed to winter weather. It typically happens when warm air is trapped above cold air. This can cause rain to freeze upon hitting the ground, creating an unexpected and dangerous situation for regions that don’t usually experience ice.

Why freezing rain dangerous?

1. Invisible and dangerous to drivers freezing rain poses a danger as it starts as a thin, clear ice layer on roads, bridges, and metal surfaces. This “black ice” is nearly invisible to drivers, making roads extremely slippery. Unlike noticeable snow, the ice from freezing rain is hard to see, especially when hidden under snow or sleet.

2. Freezing rain creates ice that sticks to trees, power lines, and other surfaces. The added weight can cause branches to break and power lines to snap. Even a small amount of ice—half an inch—can add 500 pounds of weight on power lines. Wind can worsen the problem, breaking more branches and causing power outages that can last for hours or days.

3. Unexpected freezing rain isn’t limited to northern regions; it can occur farther south, where people may not expect it. Warm air above the cold ground causes rain to freeze on contact. In valleys, trapped cold air creates conditions for freezing rain. In places less prepared for icy weather, it can be especially dangerous.

4. Falling ice can be harmful icicles may look nice, but they can be dangerous when they fall. They can pierce whatever they land on, damaging cars, windows, and people. The sharp, spear-like shape of icicles makes them more dangerous than regular snow or hail when they drop from buildings or trees.

5. Ice is hard to remove and lingers, unlike snow, which can be ploughed away; ice is difficult to remove from roads and surfaces. Salt or sand can help, but they aren’t always effective, especially below 20°F (-6°C). The ice can remain for days, creating hazardous driving conditions. The only way to deal with it is to wait for it to melt, which can take a long time if temperatures stay low.

Freezing rain in the UK and impact

The UK is bracing for a frigid spell as Winter Storm Blair approaches. The Met Office has issued amber weather warnings for snow and freezing rain in parts of Wales, central England, and northern England. These conditions could cause disruptions, including travel delays, power outages, and hazardous driving. In Scotland, temperatures have dropped to -10°C, and some areas may see up to 30 cm of snowfall.

Freezing rain will disrupt rural communities where snow could accumulate. It’s also a danger for drivers, especially on bridges and overpasses where black ice forms quickly. With the risk of power outages and dangerous roads, people should prepare for the storm’s impact.

Freezing temperatures will increase health risks for vulnerable people. The UK Health Security Agency has issued health warnings for all of England, urging precautions. Many outdoor events, including sports games, have been cancelled due to the cold, with more likely to follow.

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