In the days leading up to this weekend’s expected ice storm, we’ve read and heard a lot about the problems that ice-laden trees and powerlines can cause. Well, the National Weather Service (NWS) has provided some insight into just how impactful ice can be.
For instance, up to 1/10 of an inch is what forecasters call a glaze of ice, which can cause minor impacts on bridges, overpasses, and elevated surfaces. Ice between 1/10 and 1/4 inch thick can lead to black ice, hazardous driving conditions, and possible power outages. When ice reaches 1/2 an inch or more, which is forecast for Gainesville and most of northeast Georgia, it can make roads impassable and cause severe tree damage and power outages.
In fact, pine trees which are common in our area generally more susceptible to falling during ice storms compared to oaks, which are also common around here. That’s because of their shallow root systems and height. Oaks, on the other hand, are less likely to fall due to their denser wood and deeper roots.
And now you know.
(GA. NEWS NETWORK CONTRIBUTED TO THIS STORY.)
