Winter Weather Awareness Week Highlights Ice Risks
Winter Weather Awareness Week Highlights Ice Risks
US · Published Oct 29, 2026
• Winter Weather Awareness Week is shedding light on the types of winter precipitation and their impacts, particularly freezing rain and sleet.
• Freezing rain occurs when liquid rain falls through a warm column of air and freezes upon contact with surfaces at or below 32°F (0°C), forming a layer of ice.

Impact & Risks

Freezing rain and sleet pose significant risks to infrastructure and travel. Even a trace of freezing rain can lead to widespread disruptions, including power outages and hazardous road conditions. Elevated surfaces such as bridges and overpasses are particularly vulnerable to icing. Radial ice accumulation, which measures ice thickness on cylindrical surfaces, can exacerbate damage to trees and powerlines, especially when combined with strong winds. These conditions can lead to dangerous travel, property damage, and extended power outages, affecting communities across the tristate area, including Northern New Jersey, the Hudson Valley, Southwestern Connecticut, New York City, and Long Island.

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