Information on Ice Storms?

Question

if somone could help i need the descripion of an ice storm, the effects of it in Ontario Canada and around the world, any possible prevention, Precautions that could/should be taken, and some interesting facts like historical dates.

Answer 1

The Ice Storm in Quebec in 1998 was one that many people will never forget..........Some areas near Montreal were without electricity for a few weeks (not a misprint)............The ice was so heavy that some huge metal pylons that hold the high tension wires collapsed..........Just imagine that those wires were designed to withstand a few inches of ice........and that storm surpassed that!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 2

One of the worst ice storms in modern history to hit Canada was in 1998 (see the links below for impacts and more details).  Ice storms form when you have a layer of warm air aloft, riding over cold air at the surface.  You need a strong surface high pressure system to the N-NE of a location which will continue to funnel cold air back into the region as the warm air moves in at the mid-levels.  As precipitation falls through the warm layer, it melts to rain, then as it nears the surface it either refreezes as sleet, or hits the surface as rain and freezes on contact.  If precipitation lasts long enough, the weight of the ice buildup is enough to bring down power lines and trees.  Unfortunately, like all weather phenomenon, there's really no way to prevent these storms.  

The best thing people can do is be prepared for winter weather, which would include having plenty of firewood and matches, plenty of food that does not need to be cooked or can be cooked over a fire in the fireplace, and having plenty of blankets on hand.  There are a few things one can do to minimized the impacts as well.  Pipes should be insulated to prevent freezing should power be out and there be no heat (I imagine this is the norm in Canada).  People can also make sure trees near their property and powerlines are trimmed far enough back to prevent them from taking out powerlines should limbs break.  Towns and communities can work to install underground powerlines, to help prevent prolonged power outages.  And of course, staying alert to the local weather forecast and knowing when a winter storm is imminent so you can be prepared is important as well.

Answer 3

I live in Alabama.  In 1984 we had a horrible ice storm.  It made national news - we had 10 inches of ice.  It shut down schools and everything for 2 weeks.  during this time my grandmother died.  They were unable to bury her because they could dig the grave.  They had to wait.  When they had her funeral they were unable to get any flowers because the delivery trucks couldn't get here.  It was horrible.