Types of Wintry Mixes and Hazards They Might Cause

Updated January 2026 to reflect recent winter weather patterns in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

It’s no secret that winter roads are hazardous, but not all cold-weather conditions look exactly alike. Each type of wintry mix prompts its own unique annoyances and hazards. Knowing the difference is critical before you hit the road.

In recent winters, the Mid-Atlantic region has experienced more unpredictable mixed-precipitation storms, with the National Weather Service noting a rise in rapid-freeze events that quickly shift between rain, sleet, and snow. These sudden changes can turn roads hazardous within minutes. Transportation agencies across DC, Maryland, and Virginia now caution drivers about “flash freeze” conditions, situations where wet pavement becomes icy almost instantly as temperatures drop. Because these patterns have become more common in the past few years, staying alert to evolving forecasts has become especially important.

Freezing Rain

At first glance, freezing rain may look like conventional showers. This form of precipitation is deceptively dangerous, however, as it transforms into a translucent layer of ice as soon as temperatures drop below freezing. This makes both driving and walking extremely dangerous, especially if ice prompted by freezing rain is covered by a thin layer of snow. If possible, avoid driving altogether during or following freezing rain.

Sleet

Sleet consists of tiny pellets of ice, which may make a ‘ping’ noise as they bounce off your vehicle’s windows. When walking outside, sleet can best be identified by the crunching sensation and sounds it causes.

While sleet may not seem as dangerous as freezing rain, it can cause its fair share of hazards. Roads might not initially feel slick when driving, but it’s still worth slowing down and taking extra time to brake.

Graupel

You may not have heard of this wintry mix, but you’ve likely experienced it if you live in a cold region. Similar to sleet in many respects, graupel forms when cold water droplets collect and ultimately freeze on snowflakes. It tends to be larger than sleet, with pieces typically measuring at least two millimeters. Driving hazards are similar to those prompted by sleet. If large enough, however, graupel can be painful or even dangerous for pedestrians caught in its path.

Local road crews in DC, Maryland, and Virginia have also reported storms that leave behind more “layered” road surfaces, where sleet, refrozen slush, and thin sheets of ice develop in stages throughout the day. Even treated roads can become slick again quickly, particularly on bridges, ramps, and shaded stretches of highway. Checking real-time traffic maps, slowing down during mixed-precipitation events, and allowing extra travel time can help reduce the risk of winter-weather crashes.

As you focus on winter safety, let the attorneys at Regan Zambri Long, PLLC, handle the complications of your personal injury case. Reach out today to learn more about our legal services. We handle injury cases in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

About the Author

Patrick M. Regan, Esq.

Patrick Regan is a board certified personal injury lawyer and a founding partner at Regan Zambri Long. His practice is devoted to helping those who suffered catastrophic injuries in car accidents, truck accidents, Metro accidents, and medical malpractice. Over his nearly 40-year career, Patrick has obtained some of the most significant jury verdicts in the history of Washington, DC on behalf of injured victims. Patrick is licensed to practice law in Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland. He received his B.A. at Hamilton College and his J.D. at the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America.