After the Ice Storm

When winter ice storms strike, the landscape is covered with beautiful ice. Ice covers the roadways, power lines, trees, rooftops, and more. During the ice storm, residents must hunker down, often without power, heat, or water for days at a time. Traveling is extremely dangerous due to icy roads, downed power lines, and fallen trees. Eventually, crews come in and clear the debris. Power and water are turned back on, and the region begins to thaw. However, though the ice storm is over, the hazards continue. What can you expect after an ice storm?

First, as the weather warms ups, ice begins to melt which causes problems of its own. For example, when power lines and tree branches are covered with ice, many break right away while others are weighted down with ice. As the ice melts, these objects snap back into position, often causing new breakage and new power outages.

Ice melting in rivers and streams can cause local flooding as well. Large chunks of ice can become lodged between boulders and under bridges causing a temporary dam. These temporary dams block flowing water, sending the water over the river's banks.

At home, snow and ice on the roof often melts only to re-freeze again at night when the temperature falls below freezing once again. When this happens, rain gutters are prone to a condition called "ice dams" where ice builds up in the gutters, preventing water from flowing. When conditions are just right, this water blockage can cause water to work its way back up the roof line, under the shingles, causing leaks in the attic, down the walls, or through the ceiling.

Ice storms are damaging to pipes as well. While many residents that live in areas with harsh winter weather insulate their pipes, ice storms can hit more temperate areas such as the southeastern states. Even homes with insulated pipes can experience burst pipes after an ice storm, especially if the power has been out for extended time periods. After all, without home heating systems circulating warm air, water in the pipes could reach the freezing point. When water freezes in pipes, it expands, putting extreme pressure on pipes and pipe joints. Depending on the extent of the freeze, the water damage may not appear until everything begins to thaw out.

Another hazard in the aftermath of an ice storm is how the ice melts. Imagine a sheet of ice on the ground. Now, imagine what happens with the top layer of ice melts. Where does it go? It can't soak into the ground as regular rainwater does because there's a layer of ice below. The water moves along the top of the ice, flooding everything in its path.

In addition to freezing and melt cycles, ice is exceptionally heavy. It can cause structural damages to roofs, bridges, and other structures. After the ice storm, ice from above can fall off in chunks causing injuries to pedestrians below.

Flooding, roof leaks, and water damage are common after effects of ice storms. In addition, conditions remain dangerous for residents. Patches of ice remain, causing auto accidents, falls, and other mishaps. Crops and plants are damaged after a freeze and services such as power, water, and gas may remain out of order. Residents may need to boil water for a several days after service has been restored.

Ice storms are deadly and damaging from the moment they strike and for many days after. If you're in an ice storm, be prepared for hardships, water damage, and fending for yourself for at least a week - possibly longer.

By: Mr. Mark Decherd

For more information and other articles by Mark Decherd go to:

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