Ice storms cost more than snowstorms. FEMA’s National Risk Index puts expected ice storm losses at about $1.0 billion a year, almost twice the figure for winter weather. Of the 3,001 counties rated, 148 are Very High.
Highest expected yearly losses from ice storms
| County | Expected loss a year |
|---|---|
| Benton County, AR | $11.4 million |
| Red River County, TX | $10.9 million |
| Caddo Parish, LA | $9.5 million |
| Washington County, AR | $9.4 million |
| Pulaski County, AR | $8.3 million |
| Sedgwick County, KS | $8.1 million |
| Middlesex County, MA | $7.9 million |
| Oklahoma County, OK | $7.5 million |
| Sevier County, AR | $6.7 million |
| Greenville County, SC | $6.3 million |
Why the South ranks high
Ice storms happen when rain falls through a layer of freezing air near the ground. That setup is common in a band from Texas and Oklahoma through Arkansas, Tennessee and the Carolinas. These areas get ice more often than heavy snow, and trees and power lines are not built for the weight. Half an inch of ice can add hundreds of pounds to a power line span and bring down large branches.
What to do before an ice storm
- Trim branches that hang over your roof, driveway or power lines.
- Charge phones and power banks, and keep flashlights ready. Outages can last days.
- Stay off roads. Freezing rain makes surfaces glaze over faster than snow.
- Stay away from downed lines, which can be live even when hidden by ice.
See the ice storm risk page for every county, or check winter weather risk.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index, December 2025 release.