What to Expect with Freezing Rain, Sleet
A Winter Weather System Moves Across the Midwest and Northeast
Freezing rain, sleet, and icy conditions are expected to overspread across the Chicago area Wednesday as a winter weather system moves across parts of the Midwest and the Northeast. The system, which NBC 5 Meteorologist Alicia Roman described as “significant,” will also bring ice accumulation to areas of Michigan, northern Indiana, and Ohio, the National Weather Service said. However, officials have yet to call the incoming system an “ice storm.”
The Wintry Mix
The wintry mix could start in the early afternoon Wednesday, the NBC 5 Storm Team said, with some flurries forming earlier in the day. The main event, however, isn’t expected to come until the evening hours Wednesday, towards the end of the afternoon and evening commute. According to NBC 5 Meteorologist Iisha Scott, the mix will be a combination of freezing rain, sleet, and snow.
Freezing Rain: The Biggest Issue
“Freezing rain will be the biggest issue,” Scott said, of the conditions expected. The system could also bring ice accumulations, Scott said, with up to a tenth-of-an-inch of ice in some parts, and a half-inch of snow or sleet possible in others.
Travel Impacts
“At least some travel impacts likely areawide,” the NWS said, with slick, slippery road conditions lingering into early Thursday. The NWS also warned that roads could be slick, and driving conditions could be impacted due to the ice.
Will Chicago See an Ice Storm?
According to the NWS, an ice storm occurs when an area has freezing rain with accumulations of a quarter inch of ice or greater. Wednesday’s system is not expected to amount to that, Scott said. “I don’t think we’ll get that much because we don’t have a lot of moisture associated with this system,” Scott added. Ice storms also often consist of heavy, widespread ice that take down trees and powerlines, Scott said, but those impacts are not likely to occur Wednesday.
Conclusion
While the ice accumulation may not be significant enough to qualify as an ice storm, the freezing rain and sleet could still create slippery travel late Wednesday into early Thursday. It’s essential to stay informed about the latest weather updates and take necessary precautions to ensure safe travel.
FAQs
* When can I expect the wintry mix to start?
+ The wintry mix could start in the early afternoon Wednesday, with some flurries forming earlier in the day.
* What can I expect in terms of ice accumulation?
+ Up to a tenth-of-an-inch of ice in some parts, and a half-inch of snow or sleet possible in others.
* Will the roads be slippery?
+ Yes, roads could be slick, and driving conditions could be impacted due to the ice.
* Will this qualify as an ice storm?
+ No, the system is not expected to accumulate enough ice to qualify as an ice storm.
