December 8, 2008 - Light Icing

A few hours before dawn on this day, a line of weak showers lifted across the region. From a meteorological standpoint, this was a highly insignificant weather event. Unfortunately however, ground temperatures were cold enough that whatever rain that fell, froze immediately. This paper thin glaze appropriately earned a freezing rain advisory based on current warning criteria for being under 1/4 of an inch. As the morning progressed, the numerous accidents that happened were far more than an inconvenience for motorists. I poke fun at the term "light icing" because that is the wording that was used and is ideal for what you put on a cupcake but not for effectively warning people with regard to a potentially life threatening weather phenomena. Note the bus at the end that ditched on to the curb so to not slide through the stop sign. I applaud the driver for doing whatever she could to regain control being as there were children on board. I can't help but wonder that had the situation been better assessed and effectively warned for, school administrators would have taken a more serious look at this day and opted for a delay so to allow ample time for travel conditions to improve.

For more information on the importance of severe winter weather including some sobering statistics, please visit the site below.

http://www.icyroadsafety.com

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• ice
• storm
• decatur
• illinois

[CaStormChaser]

Wow! Stunning footage!! It's interesting to see how difficult it was to drive in those conditions!! Great vid!

[MrBobsmith734]

I personally hate those conditions more than any other, mainly due to the fact that me nor anyone else can tell when they are going to slide until it is happening. Nice video. Stay safe.

[MadBadVoodo]

Five Stars!!