Freezing rain
Adaptation measures related to physical health
Various adaptation solutions exist to reduce the impact of freezing rain events on human health.
The Quebec government recommends a series of individual preventive measures to limit the impact of these events on people’s quality of life.
Visit the Quebec government website to learn more.
Adaptation measures for the energy sector
Freezing rain often has an impact on electrical infrastructure, and it poses numerous problems in terms of maintenance and the longevity of electrical service and installations. Following the 1998 ice storm, Hydro-Québec’s research institute tested new lines capable of resisting icy conditions, and certain concepts and parameters from these experiments were incorporated into construction standards and methods. Other techniques, such as burying power lines, have been studied through pilot projects in the Gaspé and Mauricie regions. This technique protects the wires from adverse weather conditions like freezing rain. In Quebec, around 11% of power distribution lines are underground, including more than half of the Montréal network. However, burying them is a costly solution and requires more frequent and more difficult maintenance than overhead lines.
To reinforce the power transmission and distribution network, it is possible to replace poles with much stronger composite poles in strategic areas and to use cascading fall arrest towers, which are now installed every 10 towers along transmission lines. Actions of this type are found in Hydro-Québec’s 2022-2024 climate change adaptation plan, including the installation of 500 composite poles in strategic locations, of which there are currently 50 in the network.
Hydro-Québec is also working to improve community resilience by being able to provide back-up electrical capacity during blackouts (generators, shelters, etc.). Other preventive measures exist and are used in Hydro-Québec’s network, such as measurement probes to assess the quantity of ice buildup and observe the condition of structures in real time and the installation of protective structures for road networks and infrastructure.
Adaptation measures for forests and trees
Forests can be disturbed by repeated episodes of freezing rain. Although trees have a good capacity to adapt to this phenomenon, the main problems occur when branches weaken and fall onto roadways. The most useful preventive or adaptive action is to maintain trees according to their state of health and growth, their species and their sensitivity to ice buildup. Trees can also be pruned to create stronger crowns.
Diversifying tree species in urban forests is another solution to ice-related stress, in particular by focusing on species that are generally more resistant to various climate hazards (e.g. eastern hemlock, sugar maple, American hophornbeam). Various parties, including Hydro-Québec and the government, are working together to find ways to improve vegetation management through the implementation of best practices for planting and appropriate regulations. In addition, a $130 million budget has been earmarked for felling and pruning 75,000 trees.
Measures for the agricultural sector
In the agricultural sector, a number of measures can be taken to reduce the impact of freezing rain. Measures to adapt farm buildings for winter are recommended in the Agriclimat adaptation plan for Central Quebec. In particular, it’s a good idea to have a backup power source in case of power failures, which often occur during ice storms.
For greenhouses, there are several inspection measures that can be taken to prevent ice damage. This involves monitoring the load-bearing capacity of greenhouses, which, according to manufacturers, can support up to 5.2 pounds per inch of thickness, as well as assessing the structural deformation of greenhouses. For unheated greenhouses, it’s advisable to remove ice or to heat them to avoid excessive build-up.
When it comes to ice storms and other climate risks, it may be wise for some vulnerable farmers to take out an insurance policy designed to protect farm businesses against the loss of their harvest due to a weather event. For example, La Financière agricole du Québec covers damage to apple trees caused by freezing rain.
Other measures
The main challenge remains the use of better climate projections and the establishment of operational adaptation measures to anticipate the potential impacts of freezing rain events.
In addition, communication tools such as warning and monitoring systems need to be improved, although they are currently effective enough.
To learn more about the Canadian alert system and the Quebec monitoring system:
