Ice Storms
Areas of the Southeast United States are susceptible to ice storms, including Michigan Ice storms are a type of winter storm that is caused by freezing rain. As snow falls, it encounters a warm layer of air in the middle of the atmosphere that turns it to rain. Before the rain hits the ground or the surface of an object, it encounters a very shallow layer of cold air that causes the rain to freeze on the cold exposed surfaces. The ice accumulates on trees, power lines, bridges, and roadways causing significant damage and dangerous driving conditions.
Source: Nancy's Garden
Did You Know?
One of the most significant ice storms to impact Michigan took place in April 2003. Ice accumulations with the event ranged from one-half to one inch, and sleet had also accumulated up to two inches in and around Flint and the Saginaw Valley. The hardest hit regions were Midland, Bay, Huron, Saginaw, Tuscola, Sanilac, Shiawassee, Genesee, Lapeer, St. Clair, Livingston, Oakland, and Macomb. The ice caused over $160 million in damages and an estimated 450,000 people lost power, many of which were without power for up to a week.