Preparing for ice storms: Are you ready?

ByEyewitness News WABC logo

Much of the country is under winter weather alerts this morning for snow, ice, and dangerously cold temperatures.

NEW YORK (WABC) -- With the first ice storm in ten years expected to impact the Tri-State area, are you ready?

Keep in mind that power outages are a common result of ice storms.

That's because accumulating ice - caused by falling rain that freezes on surfaces - weighs down trees and powerlines, causing them to fall.

The National Weather Service offers the following tips to prepare for ice storms and minimize their impact:

*Put together an emergency supply kit before the storm hits

*Have a week's worth of food and prescriptions on hand in case you lose power or are unable to travel outside your home

*Trim weak or damaged branches around your home

*Don't leave windshield wipers raised on your vehicles

*Don't park your vehicles under trees

*Keep your electronic devices charged

Brace yourselves as we could see two more major storms this week, the first starting as early as Monday night.

For weather updates wherever you go, please download the AccuWeather app.

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