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.

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.

A major winter storm began Saturday in the central U.S. and was forecast to move east over the next several days, producing heavy snow, significant ice and frigid temperatures, according to the National Weather Service.