The Aftermath of the Ice Storm

The Aftermath of the Ice Storm (from the series: The Weirding of Austin)

Banks of cold air travel south from Canada and they meet warmer air that is heading north from the Gulf of Mexico. These distinct weather systems do not mix well. The cold air hugs the ground being heavier and the warm air, laden with moisture rises high into the sky. If the cold air is cooler than the temperature, then the rain falling through it hits the ground as ice.

It places a terrible burden on the trees, weighing them down to the ground and sometimes even breaking their backs. The image is of an oak tree in the wake of an ice storm. Little icicles dangle from every twig and the leaves are embedded in ice cubes.