A significant winter storm is set to impact nearly every U.S. state east of the Rocky Mountains, prompting residents to prepare for severe cold, ice, and snow. In a striking warning, meteorologist and social media influencer Max Schuster has highlighted an unusual hazard: the potential for trees to explode due to extreme temperature drops.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Schuster—who is recognized as “Max Velocity” online—identified an “exploding tree risk” for areas across the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and northern Michigan as temperatures are expected to plummet to 20 degrees below zero Fahrenheit. This warning has generated considerable attention as the storm approaches, set to hit between January 21 and January 22, 2026.
Though the notion of trees exploding may sound exaggerated, several credible sources have lent support to the claim. Moisture and sap within trees can expand rapidly when temperatures drop sharply, leading to structural failures.
Understanding Frost Cracks
To clarify the phenomenon, Bill McNee, a forest health specialist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, spoke to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He noted that sudden temperature declines can create “frost cracks” in trees. These cracks can produce a loud sound akin to a gunshot as the internal pressure builds and is released.
“It’s going to get cold enough that this sap may actually finally freeze,” McNee explained. “When it does that, like ice cubes in your freezer, they expand very quickly, creating a lot of physical pressure. This can lead to frost cracking, where branches may fall off, and people hear a loud crack from their tree.”
While frost cracks can occasionally cause damage to a tree’s outer tissue, leading to what some may describe as “explosion-like” effects, McNee emphasized that such events are quite rare. “I’ve never seen the damage of it,” he admitted, adding, “It’s rare for there to be so much pressure that is suddenly released inside the tree that it almost does explode.”
Preparing for the Cold
As the winter storm approaches, authorities urge residents in affected regions to prepare adequately. This includes securing outdoor items and ensuring heating systems are functioning properly. Awareness of the potential for frost cracks can help mitigate any fear or concern regarding the phenomenon, which, while dramatic, is not as widespread as social media posts may imply.
Overall, as the storm prepares to sweep through the Midwest and Northern Plains, understanding the weather’s impact on natural surroundings is crucial. Keeping informed through reliable sources can help residents navigate the challenges posed by extreme winter weather effectively.
