Understanding Winter Hazards: Sleet vs. Freezing Rain
• Sleet forms when partially melted snow refreezes into ice pellets, bouncing upon impact and creating slippery conditions.
• Freezing rain occurs when supercooled water instantly freezes on contact with surfaces, forming a glaze of ice and posing significant hazards.
• Freezing rain is especially dangerous due to its ability to cause travel issues, power outages, and damage to infrastructure, even with light accumulations.
Differentiating sleet and freezing rain for safety
Winter weather brings a variety of precipitation types, each with its own unique characteristics and hazards. Among these, sleet and freezing rain are often confused, but understanding the differences between them is crucial for preparing for and mitigating their impacts. While both involve ice, their formation processes and the dangers they pose differ significantly.
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