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US Winter Storm 2026: Due to the Arctic blast in America, the temperature has fallen below minus 20 degrees. In this severe cold, the liquid inside the trees i.e. sap has started freezing. Due to freezing it expands and creates huge pressure on the wood. Due to this pressure, trees suddenly burst and sound like gunshots. This is called ‘Frost Cracking’ which is a rare natural phenomenon caused by the polar vortex.
Arctic’s icy winds started the game of destruction (AI Generated Image)Can trees really explode like bombs in extreme cold?
- Hearing the news of trees bursting, many people think that the trees will blow up like a car in an action movie. But in reality this process is slightly different and completely based on physical pressure.
- There is a liquid called ‘Sap’ inside the stems of trees which supplies nutrients. In normal cold it remains in liquid state. But when the temperature goes below minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit i.e. approximately minus 29 degrees Celsius, it starts freezing.
- We know that water expands when it freezes and the same applies to tree sap also. When this liquid rapidly turns into ice, it creates internal pressure. The wood cannot tolerate this pressure and suddenly bursts. This process is called ‘Frost Cracking’ in astronomy and botany.
What happens inside trees that make them sound like gunshots?
When the sap accumulated inside trees expands, it tears the wood fibers. This energy is released so fast that it causes a huge explosion. According to forest health experts of Wisconsin, this sound sounds like a gunshot. Many times people get scared after hearing such sounds in the silence of the night, wondering if any firing is taking place.
This explosion is so powerful that large tree branches can break and fall down. Although the entire tree does not blow away at once, deep cracks definitely appear in its trunk. In some rare cases a large part of the tree may be completely separated. This phenomenon mostly happens in old trees and those trees which have high moisture content.
Which areas of America are most at risk of tree falls?
Currently, America’s states like North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin are experiencing record breaking cold. The National Weather Service has issued a warning of ‘life threatening cold’ for these areas. Due to the wind here, the temperature can drop to minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Amidst this severe cold, about 15 crore people are going to be affected by the snow storm ‘Fern’.
High-Impact and Far-Reaching Winter Storm Underway
Heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain has already overspread much of the south-central US and will continue to expand eastward through Sunday. Be sure to follow advice from local officials and stay safe!! ❄️ pic.twitter.com/gAD6c3jxWF