Ice accretion from freezing rain leaves a crust of ice on roads, vehicles, trees, and power lines. A prolonged spell of freezing rain can lead to extensive tree damage and power outages. Freezing drizzle is very light freezing rain—almost a mist—that’s very efficient at leaving behind a glaze of ice on exposed surfaces.

The National Weather Service says a major winter storm is forecast to produce heavy snow and significant ice starting in the central U.S. and moving east.

When it comes to winter storms, ice can be particularly hazardous. Not only is freezing rain challenging to forecast, but ice storms can wreak havoc on electrical infrastructure and vegetation, knocking power out for weeks and leaving roadways impassible. Travel becomes dangerous if not impossible, with roads becoming ice rinks.