A cold Arctic blast has hit the UK with some areas already seeing snow and the Met Office issuing yellow level warnings saying some will see up to 20cm settle. The UK Health Security Agency has also issued alerts saying the cold weather could be a threat to life for some people.
And Chief Safety Officer, James Crame from Start Safety UK has warned of a specific type of hazardous ice that could put millions at risk. A UK weather map shows the country being blasted by an artic freeze that could see temperatures drop to -9C for 72 hours straight.
James said: “Despite their names used interchangeably, black ice and glaze ice are not the same thing, with glaze ice posing more of a risk due to how, where and the frequency it’s formed. Glaze ice forms when supercooled mist freezes on cold surfaces or when non-supercooled liquid meets a very cold surface, creating a transparent, smooth surface that can grow into dangerous heavy deposits.
“Black ice is a thin sheet of transparent ice that forms when light rain and drizzle falls on a freezing surface and forms when wet roads turn icy after a winter storm.”
He added: “Glaze ice forms from freezing mist, coating pavements and exposed surfaces with a transparent, slick layer that can mimic frost, creating a hidden dangerous environment”. James continues: “Beyond posing a risk to people, glaze ice can also cause significant structural damage. As it accumulates, its weight can lead to the downfall of tree branches and even power lines. The rate of its accumulation depends on the frequency of droplets or mist, but it can form at rates of up to 5 inches per hour, if the ice blast forecast is as bad as we think, we could be looking at around 3 feet of ice forming within 72 hours”
James said: “Unlike black ice, which often appears as a wet road surface, glaze ice is more subtle. Look for a slight frosty sheen appearance on surfaces. However, glaze ice can be deceptive and in certain light conditions, it can be nearly invisible, making it even more dangerous.”.
James continues: “The public should be extra cautious in shaded areas and near bridges. These locations are more prone to mist formation and subsequent glaze ice development. Pay attention to the weather conditions and look for signs of ice, such as frost or damp patches which could indicate ice build-up”.
How to prepare your home for ice and snowfall
Urging the public to take precautions amid the snow forecast, James offers the following advice to help protect your property:
- Inspect your roof – A seemingly minor roof issue, such as a loose tile, can lead to significant water damage, especially during harsh winter weather. Ice and snow can exacerbate problems, causing further damage, especially to flat roofs which are vulnerable to ice buildup and water ingress.
- Clean gutters and downpipes – Gutters and downpipes can become easily blocked by snow and ice during winter months. This can lead to water overflow, damaging soffits, eaves, and masonry. Regular cleaning, especially after heavy snowfall, can prevent these issues. If glazed ice begins to build this could cause major blockages which could also impact neighbouring properties
- Inspect for trip hazards – During winter, icy and snowy conditions can create hidden hazards on driveways, garden paths, patios, and decks. Loose paving slabs and slippery decking can lead to serious falls. Inspect these areas after snowfall or freezing temperatures, to identify and address potential hazards. Check for any areas where there could be hidden ice that can form in shaded areas or on surfaces that are not directly exposed to sunlight.
- Check central heating – As winter approaches, extreme temperatures can put a significant strain on boilers. Freezing conditions can lead to frozen pipes, which can cause damage to the boiler and potentially lead to a complete system
- Stock up on the right tools- To combat icy conditions, scaper tools with rubber blades are an efficient tool for removing snow and ice from surfaces without causing damage to your paving or property. Rock salt is the quickest way to melt ice, making it ideal for walkways and driveways.