Power outages possible from ice and high winds this weekend

While snow oftentimes generates vibrant forecast maps and mind-boggling totals, ice can be a deceptively shallower threat.

It takes several inches of snow for impacts to build up; ice can be treacherous with just a glaze.

When forecasting snow, the amount of liquid water is converted to snow totals in different ratios depending on how wet or dry the snow is. Ice accumulation comes from pure precipitation amounts, which can quickly reach dangerous thresholds.

Limbs start falling from trees after just a tenth of an inch of ice accumulation. At a quarter inch, roads will become a nuisance, and power outages begin to grow. If a half inch of ice or more falls expect nearly impossible travel and numerous outages.

High winds often compound the risks of ice but this can be offset by the resilience of infrastructure.

Nick Anderson, manager of maintenance and resources at Ameren, says that many power lines are designed to withstand ice accumulation up to a quarter inch, but winds can be a problem as the ice grows thicker.

Nick says the lack of leaves on trees right now means winds must reach higher speeds to knock limbs down. Many trees can withstand nearly severe winds up to 50+ mph before posing much hazard but again, this threshold drops when ice accumulation increases.

Nick also pointed out that snow drift may be a concern this weekend with the highest totals in central and northern Missouri approaching a foot or more.

To prepare for the storm, always check the latest local forecast to find impacts for your specific area. With this weekend's upcoming winter storm, a mix of ice and heavy snow is expected with varying conditions across the region. Regardless, moderate to high impacts are expected areawide so make sure you have the necessary essentials and a plan through early next week.