What Is an Ice Storm?

Ice storms have significant impact on road conditions, making travel dangerous, but they can also damage your home. Ice accumulation increases the weight of tree branches and power lines, increasing the likelihood of trees falling onto your property or on your house and increasing the chances of losing electric service to your home. Roofs may also sustain significant damage during an ice storm. Ice accumulation may cause roofs to collapse or may create cracks in the roofing materials.

Most concerning, it’s difficult to predict ice storms because of the nature of atmospheric temperatures. As precipitation falls, it plummets through layers of air of different temperatures. Small changes in temperature can mean big changes in precipitation. Depending on the temperature of these different layers, it’s possible for freezing rain to fall in one location, rain in another and snow in a third, all as the result of the same storm system.

Ice storms can occur in any geographic region that experiences even rare winter weather, so it’s important for homeowners across most of the United States and all of Canada to understand how to protect their home from ice storm damage.

While there are few steps to preparing specifically for an ice storm, winter home maintenance and standard storm preparation can help you be ready for any winter weather situation.

As cold-weather season approaches:

• Clear Your Gutters
  Keeping gutters clear and flowing prevents ice buildup during or after an ice storm.
• Inspect Your Roof
  Inspect your roof, paying close attention to missing or damaged shingles. Make repairs prior to winter to avoid potential water damage from ice storms.
• Protect Your Exposed Pipes and Faucets
  Pipes and faucets located on the exterior of your home or in garages and basements are especially prone to freezing. Prepare for freezing temperatures and ice storms by covering them with insulation, hose bibs and faucet slip-on covers.
• Remove and Store Outdoor Garden Hoses
  If hoses remain attached to outdoor faucets, it can result in trapped water freezing and bursting the faucet or pipe.
• Store Yard Implements and Outdoor Furniture
  Yard implements and outdoor furniture will quickly become coated in ice in the event of an ice storm. Consider placing your outdoor toys, tools and furniture in storage prior to the colder months.
• Park Your Car in the Garage
  Keep your car from being encased in ice by parking it in a garage or covered parking spot. If this isn’t possible, park your car away from trees that could break under the weight of heavy ice.
• Remove Snow From Roofs and Walkways, Immediately
  Hire a professional to remove any snow buildup from your driveway, walkways and roof as soon as possible after a snowstorm. Snowfall compacted by freezing rain may become an extra-thick – and heavy – layer of ice.
• Prepare for Ice-Covered Driveways and Sidewalks
  Keep Ice Melt, sand or other de-icing compound formulated for driveways and walkways on hand.
• Prepare to Be Without Power for Multiple Days
  Build a disaster preparedness kit for you and your family. Be sure to include non-perishable food items, warm clothing and clean water if your running water is affected by electricity outages.

As certified commercial and residential water damage restoration experts, we frequently see water damage caused by ice storms. If you’re experiencing water damage from an ice storm – or for any other reason – call on a qualified water damage restoration expert.

Your Local Rainbow Restoration uses advanced tools and proven processes to dry structures and remediate water damage, quickly – minimizing long-term damage. Call for emergency 24/7 service or request an appointment online to schedule water damage repair and remediation for your property.