Sudden, severe cold linked to 'tree explosions'

NEBRASKA CITY - As the season’s coldest temperatures are expected Friday morning, arborists are on the lookout for a phenomenon known as weather tree explosions.

Wind chills in the range of 20 to 35 degrees below zero are expected as temperatures drop to single digits after midnight tonight.

Tree damage can occur when there is a sudden, severe drop in temperature that causes the bark of a tree to contract much faster than the inner wood. Sudden cold can also cause water in tree sap to freeze and cause pressure on the bark.

Arborists say while bark and branches may fall, it is extremely rare to have a tree fully explode.

The frost cracks are known to cause loud pops, however.

There is a chance of snow over the weekend with dangerously cold temperatures through Monday.

Thin-barked trees like maples, birches and lindens are most susceptible to weather tree explosions and frost cracks.

 Most of River Country is in a cold weather advisory. The blue is a severe cold warning.