Ice Storms
Areas of the Central United States are susceptible to ice storms, including Iowa. 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: National Weather Service
Did You Know?
One of Iowa's most damaging ice storms occurred in late-February 2007. This event brought freezing rain to about the northeast one half to two-thirds of the state with significant damage centered upon central and east-central Iowa, where one to two inches of ice accumulated on trees and power lines caused widespread power outages.