Emergency Response Guidelines

Ice Storms

The term ice storm describes a storm that produces significant accumulation (.63 cm or more) of ice during freezing rain. To produce this amount of ice, accumulation usually has to occur for several hours. Significant ice storms are rare however they can transform roads into huge skating rinks and leave downed power lines and broken trees in their wake.

Ice storms typically begin with snow and strong easterly wind conditions well ahead of an approaching warm front. The snow changes briefly to sleet and then to rain that freezes on impact coating all exposed surfaces with a growing layer of ice.

Impacts of Freezing Rain

Over head power and communications lines and trees are perhaps hit the hardest during an ice storm. The accumulation of ice on the lines and tree tucks and branches is a serious health and safety risk. Ice buildup on the lines and trees can cause them to break under the added weight.

Electrical power and other critical services could be disrupted for days. This will have an impact on the University as well as peoples homes.

Travel on the streets and highways would be impacted due to the build up of ice. Stopping distances on glazed ice are ten times greater than on dry pavement.

What to Do During an Ice Storm

The following are suggested actions

a. As there would be advanced warning of an impending ice storm, emergency kits should be checked and updated.
b. Due to the accumulation of ice on the streets and highways, travel may not be recommended.
c. Critical infrastructure (electricity, water, gas) may be affected.

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