A significant winter storm is poised to impact nearly every state in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains, bringing with it not only severe cold and ice but also an unusual concern: the potential for trees to “explode.” Meteorologist Max Schuster, known as “Max Velocity” on social media, has raised alarm on his platform, indicating an area of “exploding tree risk” affecting the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and northern Michigan. Schuster forecasts temperatures dropping to as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit below zero on January 21-22, 2026.
Schuster’s warning, which gained traction on social media, suggests that the rapid temperature decline could cause the sap and moisture within trees to expand, leading to structural failure. While this claim may seem extreme, it is grounded in legitimate meteorological science. Various publications have corroborated this assertion, indicating that such phenomena, while rare, can indeed occur under specific conditions.
Understanding Tree Behavior in Extreme Cold
In an effort to clarify the situation, Bill McNee, a forest health specialist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, explained to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that rapid temperature drops can result in “frost cracks” in trees. These cracks may produce loud, startling sounds similar to gunshots.
“It’s going to get cold enough that this sap may actually finally freeze,” McNee noted. “When it does that, like ice cubes in your freezer, they expand very quickly. That creates a lot of physical pressure that can lead to frost cracking appearing suddenly.” The phenomenon can cause branches to break and produce a loud noise, alarming those nearby.
While McNee acknowledges that frost cracks can occur and may be significant enough to cause damage, he stresses that such events are extremely rare. “I’ve never seen the damage of it,” he stated. “From what I have seen and what I read online, it is rare for there just to be so much pressure that is suddenly released inside this tree that it almost does explode.”
Preparedness for Severe Winter Weather
As communities prepare for the impending winter storm, officials urge residents to take necessary precautions. The storm is expected to bring not only frigid temperatures but also ice accumulation and snowfall, which could pose risks to both people and property.
Residents in the affected areas are advised to secure outdoor items, prepare for potential power outages, and stay informed through local weather reports. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for various regions, highlighting the potential for hazardous conditions.
As the storm approaches, the unusual warning about exploding trees serves as a reminder of the complexities of nature and the impacts that severe weather can have on our environment.
