Ice storms are one of winter's most treacherous weather events, primarily due to the formation of a layer of glaze ice from freezing rain. This phenomenon occurs when rain falls through a shallow layer of subfreezing air, causing it to freeze upon contact with surfaces such as roads, trees, and power lines. Even a thin coating of ice, as little as a quarter of an inch, can lead to significant damage. The weight of the ice can snap tree branches, causing them to fall onto power lines, resulting in widespread power outages and communication disruptions.