We all know that ice can be dangerous and no more so than when the weather creates it in a variety of different forms and in different situations.

ICE
If ice accumulates heavily on power lines it can cause them to break, rendering people without electricity in their homes. The loss of electricity in itself is a potential danger to some people, especially the old and infirmed. Ice on the roads can be more dangerous than snow - it's relatively unseen and offers no traction. Rock climbers and mountaineers face the challenge of ice climbing as a sport - but exercising extra care because of the dangers.

HAIL
Probably one of the most hazardous forms of ice, hail often causes damage to property and sometimes even injures people. See Ice Records for the largest piece of ice to fall from the sky.

SNOW
Composed of small ice crystals. Most people have a romantic feeling about snow and the beauty it can add to
vistas of mountain tops or fields but it can pose serious danger to people and animals. Heavy snow falls can bring the danger of property damage as snow in volume has a considerable weight. When roads are made inaccessible by heavy snowfalls and ice, many farmers are unable to reach their livestock to deliver food, hence why in harsh winters it's not uncommon for many animals to die. Combined with a strong wind, a snowfall can turn into a blizzard, creating bad driving conditions on the roads. Traction although still possible is difficult and visibility is very poor.

FREEZING RAIN & SLEET - solid ice but not in crystal form. Especially affects roads and creates severe driving conditions, offering no traction for vehicles.

Ice & Snow On Earth - how our climate is affected