All photos, video and text © 2008 by Storm Highway. All usage requires a paid license - see site copyright statement ICE STORM: Frozen Fury Ice storms are caused by freezing rain, a phenomenon caused when warm air is situated above a thin layer of below-freezing air at ground level. Raindrops from the warm layer above fall through the cold layer below and freeze on contact when they strike objects on the ground. Ice buildup from freezing rain can be very destructive to trees, power lines and structures as well as making roads undriveable. Stay tuned for our new article on preparing for and keeping safe during ice storms.