What is the difference between an ice storm and a winter storm?

An ice storm involves freezing rain that coats surfaces in ice. A winter storm can include snow, sleet, or freezing rain in combination. The NWS issues an ice storm warning when freezing rain is expected to produce ice accumulations of one-quarter inch or more. Ice storms are typically more damaging to trees and power lines than comparable snowstorms, and surfaces become far more hazardous because ice provides almost no traction.

How long do power outages last after an ice storm?

Ice storms cause some of the longest utility outages of any weather event. A significant ice storm can leave households without power for 3 to 14 days or longer, depending on the severity of ice accumulation and crew access to downed lines. The 1998 North American Ice Storm left some areas without power for more than 30 days. Plan for a minimum of 7 days of supplies during ice storm season.

Is black ice the same as freezing rain?

Black ice forms when a thin layer of water freezes on a road surface, making it nearly invisible. It forms most readily on bridges, overpasses, and shaded roadways. Freezing rain is the precipitation event that creates black ice, but black ice also forms when temperatures drop below freezing after rain or when melting snow refreezes. Both are dangerous for exactly the same reason: they are often invisible and provide virtually no traction.

How much ice does it take to bring down power lines?

One-half inch of ice accumulation on power lines can add up to 500 additional pounds of weight per span. One inch of ice can add over 1,000 pounds. Most residential distribution lines are not designed to handle more than one-half inch of ice, which is why the NWS issues ice storm warnings at the one-quarter inch threshold. Trees under ice load fail and fall on lines, compounding the damage.

Should I use my fireplace during an ice storm power outage?

Yes, if your fireplace has been inspected within the past year and the chimney is clean and functional. Have your fireplace and chimney inspected annually before winter season. Confirm that the flue is clear of snow or ice accumulation before lighting a fire during or after an ice storm. Never use a fireplace that has not been inspected or that shows signs of damage. Gas fireplaces with electronic ignition will not work during a power outage unless they have a battery backup.

Ice Storm Preparedness Checklist — Before, During & After Freezing Rain

Phase 1

Before the ice storm. Prepare for the outage, not just the ice.

Ice storms are the leading cause of extended power outages in the United States. The preparation is essentially the same as a serious winter storm — but the timeline is often compressed, and the road danger arrives faster.

Power and Heat

Fully charge phones, power banks, laptops, and portable power stations before the storm arrives
Confirm your backup heat source — fireplace, wood stove, or indoor-rated propane heater — and that fuel is stocked
Have a battery-operated CO detector on every level — not plug-in only, which fails when power goes out
Test your generator outdoors before the storm — confirm fuel supply and that it starts

Pipes and Water

Know the location of your water main shut-off — if a pipe bursts during the outage, you need to shut it off fast
Insulate pipes in unheated areas — crawl spaces, attics, exterior walls, and garages
Stock at least 7 days of drinking water (1 gallon per person per day) in case the water supply is disrupted
Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses before a hard freeze

Vehicle

Fill the gas tank before the storm — stations lose power too and may close for days
Park in a garage if possible — ice-coated vehicles are dangerous to clear and may be inaccessible for hours
Keep an ice scraper, blanket, jumper cables, sand or cat litter, and a flashlight in the vehicle
Check tire tread — tires with less than 4/32 inch of tread provide very little grip on ice

Supplies and Home

Stock 7 days of shelf-stable food that requires no cooking or refrigeration
Stock ice melt, sand, or kitty litter for walkways and steps — ice-coated steps injure more people than roads during ice storms
Have extra blankets accessible and a change of warm clothing for everyone
Trim tree limbs overhanging the roof and power lines before ice storm season — ice-loaded branches cause most structural and line damage

Phase 2

During the ice storm. Stay inside. Avoid the roads entirely.

Freezing rain coats roads in a nearly frictionless surface within minutes. Bridges and overpasses ice first. Even experienced winter drivers lose control on glaze ice. The NWS recommends avoiding all travel during an ice storm warning.

At Home

Stay indoors and off all walkways while freezing rain is falling
When temperatures drop below 20 F: drip faucets on exterior walls (Red Cross guidance)
Never use a generator, gas grill, camp stove, or charcoal indoors — CO is the leading cause of weather-related death during winter events
Keep refrigerator and freezer closed — food stays safe 4 hours (fridge) or 48 hours (full freezer) without power

If You Must Drive

Reduce speed dramatically and increase following distance to 8 to 10 seconds on glaze ice
Never use cruise control on icy roads
Cross bridges and overpasses with extra caution — they ice before road surfaces
If stranded: stay in the vehicle, run the engine in 10-minute intervals with windows cracked, keep exhaust pipe clear of ice

Phase 3

After the ice storm. Downed lines. Ice-loaded roofs. Frozen pipes.

The aftermath of an ice storm is often more dangerous than the storm itself. Downed power lines may stay live for days. Ice-loaded trees continue to fall long after freezing rain stops.

Immediate Hazards

Stay 30 feet from all downed power lines — treat every line as live; current can travel through wet ground and ice
Do not drive over downed lines
Watch for falling ice and ice-loaded branches — they continue to fall for hours after freezing rain stops
Use extreme caution on all walkways — apply ice melt or sand before stepping out

Home and Recovery

Check your roof for ice and snow load — use a roof rake from the ground; never climb on an icy roof
Inspect pipes for damage before restoring full water pressure after a hard freeze
Photograph all property damage before cleanup for insurance claims
Check on elderly neighbors and people who live alone — cold and CO poisoning risk continues through the outage

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Ice Storm Preparedness Checklist. Power out. Roads locked. Stay ready.