Compilation of Damaging Ice Storms in the United States

Institutional knowledge on the history of damaging ice storms in a utility’s service area often resides with the members of the utility’s line crews. As they retire that information is lost. This paper describes our compilation of freezing rain storms in the United States and southern Canada that were severe enough to damage trees, power lines, and communication towers. This compilation is available online in an ice storm Geographic Information System (GIS) that maps each storm’s damage footprint and includes information compiled primarily from newspaper reports on the storm severity, including comparisons to previous storms and any disaster declarations. By clicking on the map, users generate a list of ice storms at that location. Choosing one of the listed storms brings up the storm description and a map of the damage footprint. The presentation will include a demonstration of the GIS.