What freezing rain actually is and why it's so dangerous after Met Office issue weather warnings for Yorkshire

The term 'freezing rain' has been used a lot over the last week after the Met Office issued amber and yellow weather warnings for large parts of the UK.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th Dec 2018, 10:21 BST
Updated 15th Dec 2018, 11:23 BST
Freezing rain could develop in Yorkshire as Met Office issue weather warningsFreezing rain could develop in Yorkshire as Met Office issue weather warnings
Freezing rain could develop in Yorkshire as Met Office issue weather warnings

But what is it, and why is freezing rain so dangerous?

Freezing rain is when rain falls and the temperature of the surface it hits is so cold it freezes over almost instantly.

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This is when the Met Office has issued an AMBER weather warning for ice and a YE...
Freezing rain could develop in Yorkshire as Met Office issue weather warningsFreezing rain could develop in Yorkshire as Met Office issue weather warnings
Freezing rain could develop in Yorkshire as Met Office issue weather warnings

This can result in the rapid formation of widespread ice on roads, pavements, trees and other structures.

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Freezing rain is rare in the United Kingdom but when it does occur the impacts can be very severe.

This is due to the fact that it can form very quickly, it can be difficult to see and is incredibly slippery.