Moderate ice storm in the Northeast last night but two stations still functioning, including solar, rain, and wind sensors. I imagine the accuracy is compromised but this is still rather impressive.
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I’ve had this many times on my 3xTempest° devices this past winter so far. When the ice begins to melt and loosen. . .some of the “frozen drops” of ice tend to remain on the bottom plate of the “air gap” and some even like to take refuge under the topcap. . .on the bottom of the (North East South West) ultrasonic transducers underneath the topcap. You’ll know when this happens because the wind will then be reported as a continuous Erroneously High Speed. . .like 37 with an occasional gust to 56. . .which means a moisture drop (or ice particle) is trapped there and the transducers cannot receive a good signal. . .since something is blocking it. . .so Tempest° determines it must be High Wind when there is. . .in fact. . .no wind movement at all.
Since my 3xTempest° devices are all within easy reach. . .I use a paper towel to gently wipe away any moisture bubbles or ice particles that remain. . .being careful NOT to rub on any part of the bottom plate which has a specially treated “Super Hydrophobic” coating on it. Once temperature rise above freezing. . .the remaining amount of moisture will easily evaporate and correct wind speeds and direction will once again be reported.
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Thank you for sharing your broader experiences. I will keep an eye on wind speed readings as things melt. I could do what you suggest for my low yard/garden sensor but my high rooftop sensor will have to clear naturally with temperature and wind. I wasn’t aware of the special coating on the bottom plate so that is especially important to know.