Weather
Massachusetts Winter Weather Awareness Through Oct 31: Freezing Rain Risks
Boston, MA – Ice covered highways, falling tree limbs and widespread power outages can quickly create dangerous conditions across Massachusetts. As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Tuesday, Oct
By Dylan Reeves · 2026-10-27T07:45:26.700Z
Boston, MA – Ice covered highways, falling tree limbs and widespread power outages can quickly create dangerous conditions across Massachusetts. As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Tuesday, October 27, residents are being reminded that freezing rain and river ice jams pose serious threats during the colder months.
According to the National Weather Service NWS , freezing rain occurs when liquid precipitation freezes upon contact with surfaces at or below freezing. Accumulating ice can make travel hazardous, 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 substantial tree damage and widespread power outages.
Drivers traveling Interstate 90, Interstate 91, Interstate 93 and Interstate 95 should exercise caution when freezing rain is forecast, particularly across central and western Massachusetts, where colder inland conditions can increase icing concerns.
Ice Jams Can Trigger Sudden Winter Flooding Another winter threat 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 prevents water from soaking into the soil.
Communities along the Connecticut, Deerfield, Westfield and Merrimack rivers can experience ice jam concerns during winter warmups.
How Massachusetts Residents Can Prepare Before severe winter weather arrives, residents should take several important precautions:
Keep emergency supplies, including flashlights, batteries and blankets. Charge phones and prepare for possible extended power outages. Avoid unnecessary travel during significant freezing rain. Stay away from downed power lines and unstable river ice. Never drive through flooded roadways. Residents can monitor official weather alerts and river conditions through the NWS Boston/Norton office and NWS Albany office , which serve different portions of Massachusetts.
Winter Weather Awareness Week continues through Saturday, October 31 , emphasizing the importance of preparing before ice storms and winter flooding threaten communities statewide.