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Ice Storms: Introduction
Accumulating ice from a winter storm can create one of nature's most
magnificent, yet devastating landscapes. Most of Kentucky's winter
precipitation falls as rain, but occasionally the ingredients to
produce an ice storm come into place. Ice storms occur when cold air
at the surface is overridden by warm, moist air. As the warm air
advances and is lifted over the cold air, precipitation begins falling
as rain, becomes super cooled as it passes through the cold air mass
below, and freezes upon contact with chilled surfaces at temperatures
of 32º F or below. In extreme cases, ice may accumulate inches thick,
though just a thin coating is often enough to do severe damage.
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Photo Credit: NOAA Photo
Library/Historic NWS Collection. |
What happens next is critical. Frequently, rising temperatures
associated with a warm front will melt any accumulated ice.
Occasionally however, a strong cold front will move into the region
and send temperatures plunging well below freezing, leaving no
opportunity for the accumulated ice to melt. Gusting winds with the
cold front can magnify the storm's impact.
Ice storms can paralyze a large region for several days. In addition
to creating emergency situations, they can make responding to those
same situations quite difficult. Hence, individuals and communities
should be prepared to cope with the problems caused by ice storms.
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