CLEVELAND — Icicles may look beautiful hanging from homes and buildings, but they can actually be very dangerous. This past weekend's heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures created dramatic icicles and ice formations, but the rain and high wind speeds in the coming days are all of the ingredients for what could be a dangerous situation.
Our Power of 5 Meteorologists are forecasting above freezing temps later Tuesday and widespread rain Wednesday. Wind speeds are also expected to increase, which are all factors for icicles to fall unexpectedly.
Temperatures on Wednesday are supposed to increase to the low 40s for most areas.
As temperatures begin to increase, icicles can start to thaw, causing them to weaken and fall unexpectedly.
Dr. Seth Podolsky, a doctor at the Cleveland Clinic, said the biggest concern if you get hit by an icicle is you could get a cut and start to bleed, or if you get hit in the head, you could end up with a concussion.
Icicles can become very dangerous when they grow large, especially when they have a long distance to fall. The possibility of getting hit with an icicle increases when the wind is strong or the sun is shining directly on the icicles, according to Accuweather.com.
When they hang from gutters, wires and homes, they can pose threats to residents and can cause significant property damage.
To remove icicles and accumulated snow from one's roof, homeowners should call an experienced professional to remove ice buildup, because ladders can become unstable and dangerous during slippery, snowy conditions.
