As a winter storm bears down on more than half the country's population, residents are bracing for potential chaos - and many experts warn that ice may be even more hazardous than snow. Frigid temperatures that follow the storm could lock icy precipitation in place, leaving roads slick and surfaces treacherous.
The National Weather Service has issued "catastrophic accumulation" warnings for some areas, where freezing rain, sleet, and snow will combine to create a potentially deadly mix of ice. In Hot Springs, Arkansas, Mayor Pat McCabe is sounding the alarm on the dangers of ice, saying it's likely to cause major problems for residents and utility services.
"Ice is really problematic," he told CBS News. "We'll deal with a little bit of snow. We've had major snow events... Then it warms up and then it gets cold again, and so the melting snow turns to ice and we still end up with ice even if we had snow."
Ice can weigh down power lines, causing widespread outages - a concern that's particularly significant in Texas, where last year's paralyzing ice storm resulted in over 200 deaths. The state's power grid is now on high alert, but officials say it's "fully capable of handling this winter storm" - despite Governor Greg Abbott issuing a disaster declaration for 134 counties.
The risks of ice extend far beyond the roads and power lines, however. Ice can weigh down tree branches, causing them to break and injure people or damage homes. The weight of ice on roofs can also cause damage - and homeowners may be able to mitigate these risks by clearing snow from their rooftops and ensuring that gutters are clear.
In Nashville and other cities, crews are using a chemical mixture called brine to warm the asphalt on streets, reducing the amount of ice that forms. Officials are urging people to stay off the roads as much as possible - especially on bridges and overpasses, where the conditions are most treacherous.
As the storm bears down, residents would do well to remember that ice is a stealthy and insidious foe - one that can bring chaos and destruction in an instant.
The National Weather Service has issued "catastrophic accumulation" warnings for some areas, where freezing rain, sleet, and snow will combine to create a potentially deadly mix of ice. In Hot Springs, Arkansas, Mayor Pat McCabe is sounding the alarm on the dangers of ice, saying it's likely to cause major problems for residents and utility services.
"Ice is really problematic," he told CBS News. "We'll deal with a little bit of snow. We've had major snow events... Then it warms up and then it gets cold again, and so the melting snow turns to ice and we still end up with ice even if we had snow."
Ice can weigh down power lines, causing widespread outages - a concern that's particularly significant in Texas, where last year's paralyzing ice storm resulted in over 200 deaths. The state's power grid is now on high alert, but officials say it's "fully capable of handling this winter storm" - despite Governor Greg Abbott issuing a disaster declaration for 134 counties.
The risks of ice extend far beyond the roads and power lines, however. Ice can weigh down tree branches, causing them to break and injure people or damage homes. The weight of ice on roofs can also cause damage - and homeowners may be able to mitigate these risks by clearing snow from their rooftops and ensuring that gutters are clear.
In Nashville and other cities, crews are using a chemical mixture called brine to warm the asphalt on streets, reducing the amount of ice that forms. Officials are urging people to stay off the roads as much as possible - especially on bridges and overpasses, where the conditions are most treacherous.
As the storm bears down, residents would do well to remember that ice is a stealthy and insidious foe - one that can bring chaos and destruction in an instant.
! The thought of icy roads and power outages is just super stressful 
. And it's not just the immediate danger, but also the long-term damage it could cause to homes and trees... my mom has a huge tree in her backyard and I'm scared it's gonna fall and hurt someone 
. The idea of crews using brine to warm up streets is a good one tho, maybe that can help reduce the amount of ice on the roads 
. Everyone should just be super careful and stay indoors as much as possible, especially if you don't have to go out for anything 
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. And it's not just the roads, I mean, have you seen those tree branches breaking off because of the weight of ice? It's like, what even is happening to our weather?! 
As a global thinker, I've been reading about how this kind of storm is becoming more frequent due to climate change... it's like, we're running out of time, you know? We need to find ways to mitigate these risks and prepare for the worst. And can't we just have some warm weather for once?! 
It's not too much to ask, right? 
anywayz, if u have to drive make sure ur car is 4x4 or something 
just stay home & binge some netflix tbh ice can weigh down power lines so ur electricity might get cut off 
u know what's crazy? how they still make cookies and cream after all these years lol it's like, who makes this stuff up?? anyway back to the storm... have you ever noticed how some storms just feel more intense than others? like, i was watching a video of someone's snow-covered backyard and it was literally 2 feet deep lol what's your favorite winter storm memory? 
. The idea that ice might be even more hazardous than snow is really unsettling. We've seen what can happen when ice accumulates, like in Texas last year - it was devastating 
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. Clearing snow from rooftops and gutters can make a huge difference in preventing damage. And let's not forget to stay off the roads as much as possible - it's just not worth the risk 
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can't stress enough how deadly ice can be, especially when it gets stuck in place. just wanna stay safe and cozy indoors til this storm passes 
It's a total disaster. And roofs, oh man, the weight of ice on them can cause major damage. Not to mention power lines and roads. It's like, the storm is just getting started, but we're already dealing with the aftermath.
Anyway, it's super important for people to stay off the roads as much as possible, especially on bridges and overpasses. It's just not worth the risk.
. It’s crazy to think that something as small as ice can cause so much destruction 
. And I feel for Texas, man... 200 deaths last year was horrific 
. Like they weren't already bored out of their minds with all the snow days. Anyway, I do think ice is a legit concern - it's like the ultimate winter ninja 
, sneaking up on you and causing major problems. And can we talk about how some areas are basically bracing for a "catastrophic accumulation" of ice 
. Anyway, hope everyone stays safe and dry... or at least doesn't end up as a human ice sculpture 
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just dont go out dere unless u gotta, stay safe, ppl! 
The authorities are right to sound the alarm, though - ICE IS NO JOKE! We gotta stay safe and look out for each other, especially our elderly neighbors who might not be as spry in this kinda weather. Let's all just take it one step at a time (or should I say, one shovel-full of snow at a time? 
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it's like, we're already dealing with power outages and whatnot, do we really need to worry about tree branches breaking and people getting hurt? 
anyway, i'm gonna stay indoors and let the pros handle it 
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also brine on asphalt is genius, why didnt they think of that sooner?! 
And I totally agree with officials saying we should stay off the roads as much as possible... but what about people who have to commute or go out for work? It's like, how are they supposed to get around when it's icy and treacherous outside? 
! The thought of icy precipitation causing catastrophic accumulation warnings is giving me major anxiety 
It's like, homeowners need to take this seriously and clear their gutters ASAP. And what about tree branches? They can break off and cause major injuries 
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, you know, like infographics or something. A simple map with the areas most affected by ice would be super helpful 
. Anyway, I'm just gonna stay safe indoors and binge-watch some winter movies 