Freezing Rain and Its Many Dangers That You Need to Understand

This is the time of the year when freezing rain begins to wreak havoc on roadways. While most people pay close attention to the threat of snow in the forecast, the dangers of freezing rain is often overlooked. Here is what you need to know about freezing rain and why it is so treacherous.

Understanding the Basics of Freezing Rain

Freezing rain happens when the atmosphere is too warm to produce snow but the ground below is still freezing. In the most simple terms, freezing rain is just rain that freezes when it hits the cold ground, vehicles, trees, or other surfaces. Unlike sleet that tends to bounce when it hits the ground, freezing rain will stick and begin to coat the surfaces.

This type of precipitation is inherently dangerous due to its sneaky nature. Because it falls as straight rain, people are not as likely to see it as a danger until it begins to turn to ice. Unlike snow that is easy to see, freezing rain is typically harder to detect. This means that motorists are more likely to be caught off guard by the hazard, making it more deceiving than other types of wintry precipitation.

During the early stages of a freezing rain event, bridges and roads become coated with a thin layer of ice that is mostly clear. This is often referred to as "black ice" due to its invisibility. Freezing rain is most dangerous if snow or sleet falls after it, obscuring it from the vision of motorists.

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