Weather
Connecticut-Rhode Island Winter Weather Awareness Through Oct 31: Two Ice Threats
Hartford, CT – Ice covered highways, falling tree limbs and widespread power outages can quickly create dangerous conditions across Connecticut and Rhode Island. As Winter Weather Awareness Week conti
By Sophie Caldwell · 2026-10-27T07:45:54.280Z
Hartford, CT – Ice covered highways, falling tree limbs and widespread power outages can quickly create dangerous conditions across Connecticut and Rhode Island. As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Tuesday, October 27, residents in both states are being reminded that freezing rain and river ice jams can create serious winter emergencies.
According to the National Weather Service NWS , freezing rain occurs when liquid precipitation freezes upon contact with surfaces at or below freezing. Ice accumulation can make roads treacherous, damage trees and power lines, and disrupt electrical service across entire communities.
How Much Ice Can Cause Serious Problems? Even a thin coating of ice can make untreated roads, bridges and sidewalks dangerously slippery. Accumulations approaching half an inch can cause significant tree damage and widespread power outages.
Drivers traveling Interstate 95, Interstate 84, Interstate 91 and Interstate 295 should exercise caution when freezing rain is forecast, particularly across inland Connecticut and northern Rhode Island.
Ice Jams Can Trigger Sudden Winter Flooding Another winter hazard develops when river ice accumulates and restricts water flow, causing water levels to rise rapidly upstream.
Winter thaws, heavy rainfall and rapid snowmelt can increase flooding risks, especially when frozen ground limits how much water can soak into the soil.
Communities along Connecticut's Connecticut, Housatonic and Farmington rivers, along with Rhode Island's Blackstone and Pawtuxet river systems, should monitor conditions during winter warmups.
How Connecticut and Rhode Island Residents Can Prepare Before severe winter weather arrives, residents should take several precautions:
Keep flashlights, batteries, blankets and emergency supplies accessible. Charge phones and prepare for possible extended power outages. Avoid unnecessary driving during significant freezing rain. Stay away from downed power lines and unstable river ice. Never drive through flooded roadways. Residents can monitor official forecasts through the NWS Boston/Norton office , NWS New York office and NWS Albany office , which cover different portions of the two states.
Winter Weather Awareness Week continues through Saturday, October 31 , highlighting the importance of preparing before ice storms and winter flooding threaten communities across Connecticut and Rhode Island.