The worst natural weather I ever experienced was an Ice Storm in 2009. The damage to trees was incredible. Every 15 minutes a branch or tree would break off and the sound of ice crashing to the ground was awful. We had an icy event here last night that was mostly freezing rain the same as in 2009.
In 2009 the temperatures had been below freezing for some time and the surfaces were cold. The freezing rain built up immediately. Trees fell on power lines which them fell on our cars. Totaling our Durango and Corolla and damaging two other vehicles. Those type things can be replaced. We did miss the Durango as it was a fun auto. The insurance value of the couple year older corolla was more than the Durango, to our surprise. We did not replace the Durango. Last night the surfaces were still warm so I doubt there was much accumulation.
The power was out for two weeks. We made it fine and it was more of an adventure. The gas heaters we have in our old house kept us warm. We made our coffee and meals on a double propane fish cooker on the open front porch. Oil lamps to keep the dark at bay and allow a little reading.
The point and shoot camera I was using at the time used double A batteries so I robbed them from the remotes and things in the house and kept shooting. If I had the fancy camera I have today I would not have been able to recharge the batteries.
During this ice storm I found a flock of Cedar Waxwings in an Ice shrouded tree. It was unusual to see that species of bird. Each year since then we see more and more waxwings.
This shot from the hayfield looking back at the house. Red “Rocket” Jackson romping across the frame. Red is now gone and it reminds me of my old walking friend. Red the stray that stayed I would not mind seeing again. The Ice Storm of 2009 I can live without ever seeing again.
We had one very similar to yours around that same time. I didn’t have a camera then but wish I did because in spite of all the destruction when the sun came out it was one of the most beautiful things I had ever seen-like everything was made of crystal. Like you though, I’m in no hurry to go through that again.
New Hampshire Gardener,
It was a crystalline world. The last shot in the post shows how everything was ice covered. How the trees if not broken were bending under the load. The grass would crunch like glass when walked on.
I sort of experienced both ice storms – the one in NH, and the one in KY. I was in NH during its ice storm. My parents and siblings were in KY, and I was there the following summer. The damage in KY was astounding. NH was unscathed by comparison.
Jomegat,
The large area covered by the storm in Kentucky was astounding. If you look close you still see the damage three years later.
Those photos are superb!
We usually have an ice storm here early in winter but we haven’t in the past several years. They don’t do as much damage in this rural area, perhaps because of the types of trees that are prevalent here and perhaps because all of the trees are used to them and have adapted. The electrical power structure suffers though when the lines go down and some are nearly impossible to get to, even with snow cats to negotiate the deep snow. Thankfully, most of us here outside of the towns heat with wood stoves and are pretty well equipped to do without electrical power for awhile. I feel so bad for those who are not so equipped.
Montucky,
During the storm I watched as the progression of damage spread from species to species. The walnut trees held up well until late in the storm. The least affected were the white oak trees. They have fewer branches and the branches are larger. It was also interesting to see how the trees adjusted to the gaps were limbs or tops broke off. The gaps would have huge groups of sapling like sprouts filling in the empty spaces. Attempting to regain balance it appeared. The old point and shoot captured the thick layers of ice on the branches well.
Despite the damage ice storms bring they are incredibly beautiful. Your photos captured it and made it look amazing. I love the last photo of Red running through all the ice covered landscape.
Becca,
Ice storm landscapes can be incredibly beautiful. That shot with Red was more dramatic than the photo captured. The glittering dance of light off all the reflective surfaces was magical.
Love the “framed bird pictures” In the magical ice surrounding them. They could be post cards. I hope every year to get through winter with as little snow and more so ice storms! Although I like building snowmen in the yard. Which we did one time already:) Grampy, we caught the skunk! Have a Heart trap. Denise and I blaketted the cage no problem and put it in her van and let it go down river 5 mi. away. I would of perferred 10 mi. but it was fine where we let him go. No longer living under our shed! While delivering mail there was a falcon or hawk above me and I heard it before i saw it. I said to myself that was not a crow and sure enough I saw it in my mirror and I got out to try a get a picture. I can’t believe I was right under it. It flew away when a customer was walking up the side walk. There was a nest in the tree but I don’t think it was his.Interesting week with animals to be that close to the wild. I know how exciting and the opportunity and pleasure you enjoy everyday!:)
Sue,
That is brave handling a skunk to move it. In some states they used to use mail men or ladies reports on how many wild animals they see to determine quotas for hunting. Many times it the hawk shrieking that draws my attention to their location. I too enjoy watching them fly.
I new there was another exciting sight… And that is the owl in our pine tree. The dog did not see it but in the dark jerry saw a dark shadow swoop down and across the whole length of the back yard and into the pine(s) we have in the far back. He put the flash light on it and took a pic with his phone camera. I heard this owl a day before in the early morning. This was at night when he was able to see it and capture on film.
Sue,
It is always thrilling to me hearing owls. Such a unique sound that sort of matches the night time they are active in.