How can freezing rain become a hazard

Freezing rain occurs when rain freezes on contact with a cold surface, forming a layer of ice. Sleet is similar but is actually a precipitation of raindrops that are frozen before they hit the ground. When freezing rain hits the ground, it forms an icy layer on the road. This creates slippery driving conditions that make your vehicle prone to sliding and skidding.

Unlike snow , which is highly visible to the eye, freezing rain can be undetectable and dangerous. Because these conditions are less visible, they can actually be more dangerous to drive in than more visible conditions such as snow. The best solution for dealing with any dangerous driving condition is opting to stay home and avoid driving, if possible.

Check the weather forecast and determine if your schedule allows you to wait out the storm. If you do have to drive, drive slowly. Freezing rain creates a slippery layer of ice on the road which can be especially dangerous when braking , causing your car to skid.

Drive slowly to avoid braking. Because braking is difficult when driving in freezing rain, be sure to give the vehicle in front of you plenty of extra space. On a similar note, respect sand and salt trucks and try not to get frustrated if you end up behind them on the road.

Freezing rain has a tendency of building up on your windshield, decreasing visibility in what is already a hazardous driving situation. Keep freezing rain from forming on your windshield by making use of your wipers and fluid.

Designed with deeper treads, winter tires are specifically designed to make driving in snow and ice easier! If you live in a region that experiences regular snow and ice, you may find that snow tires are well worth the investment.

Very often, precipitation first falls from a cloud as snow when it is cold enough high up where the cloud is. If it falls through warmer air before reaching the ground, it can melt and turn to rain droplets. This is why it is called freezing rain. However, it is possible that water droplets can exist several degrees below zero and remain in liquid form without a nucleus.

This is when they are supercooled. Supercooled water droplets occur in clouds a lot of the time, especially in winter, and they form a very important role in the way that rain forms.

If these droplets then fall through a zone of sub-zero air just above the ground, they become supercooled. Customize Your Weather. Privacy Policy. Freezing Rain and Sleet Weather.

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