The science behind a slippery scenario

Freezing rain is rainfall that has become “supercooled” as it falls, then freezes upon impact with the ground. It starts as snow, sleet or hail before falling through a warmer part of the atmosphere and melting to become raindrops. As the rain hits sub-zero air just above the ground it “supercools,” then hits the ground, spreads and freezes almost instantly, forming a transparent layer of ice.