Extreme Weather Series: Ice Storm: Connecticut Groundhog Day 2011

To go along with the hub Extreme Weather series: Crazy Weather in Connecticut 2011, Photos included!

After dealing with what seemed to be endless snow in the month of January, there were signs of the winter thaw showing up. Except the deep snow pack left the air close to the ground a little too cold. This shallow layer of cold air resulted in freezing rain. On Groundhog Day of all days, when many look for the glimpse of hope that winter is almost over, and we ended up with an ice storm. The ice storm was unusual because living near long island sound, a maritime influence usually warms that shallow layer of air just enough to turn any brief periods of freezing rain to just all rain, in addition the topography of the area allows warm air to inundate coastal towns fairly easy. So on February 2nd when all but one or two hours was freezing rain and sleet which accumulated on streets, sidewalks, driveways, on top of the snow, on homes and trees, it was a surprise. Even when it rained for a few hours, some of the rain would pool on the ice and then refreeze later. What was also strange about this storm is the amount of time the ice stuck around. The ice on the trees lasted for days, which actually made for a beautiful sight, especially with the clear skies the day after the storm. Looking around everything was glistening in the sun up and down streets, creating a winter wonderland look. This ice storm just added to the pain of the extreme winter of 2011 but was also one of the last large winter storms to hit the area for the season. Following the storm there was no winter thaw but a gradual, almost painful, warm up to spring.