One of the most impactful ice storms in its history hit southern Maine on December 11 and 12, 2008, pelting the region with snow and frozen rain. Power was out for days. Stuck at home, our fireplace kept us warm as we listened to the snapping of limbs and the crashing of trees around us. Power lines hung perilously low or were broken, cluttering streets and sidewalks, and the roads were ice-coated, making it too hazardous to walk or drive.

Ice storms are not uncommon in New England, which is affected more often than other parts of the country. Especially along the coast, where its own weather patterns and occasional cold-air intrusions lead to ice storms. This one began when snow fell through a mile-thick layer of relatively warm air, turning to rain a thousand feet above the ground. Then, a frigid northerly breeze at the surface, accompanying the storm, cooled the ground to just below freezing. Raindrops instantly froze on contact with solid objects.

After it passed and temperatures warmed, I visited the pond at the edge of our property, sitting under the bent and ice-coated willow branches, watching and listening as the water drops hit and then bounced off the pond’s now-melted surface. Using my small digital camera, I captured one drop hitting the pool directly in front of the lens as the shutter clicked.