Des Moines, IA – Ice-covered highways, falling tree limbs and widespread power outages can quickly create dangerous conditions across Iowa. As winter weather awareness efforts continue Tuesday, October 27, residents are being reminded that freezing rain and river ice jams pose serious threats to travel, electricity and communities during the colder months.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), freezing rain occurs when liquid precipitation freezes upon contact with surfaces at or below freezing. Accumulating ice can make roads hazardous, damage trees and power lines, and leave communities without electricity.
How Dangerous Can Iowa Ice Storms Become? Even a thin coating of ice can make untreated roads, bridges and sidewalks extremely slippery. Accumulations approaching half an inch can cause substantial tree damage and widespread electrical disruptions…