See photos from Friday's freezing rain storm

Umbrellas came out on Friday as freezing rain swept through Massachusetts.

Pedestrians first experienced the droplets as a patter of rain in the morning. But that turned into a salvo of ice pellets by mid-afternoon.

Friday's trifecta of rain, sleet and ice didn't draw the same wonderment as last week's snow storm, which left a blanket of soft, powdery snow. But meteorologist David Epstein said that the freezing rain deserved attention for the unique risk it posed.

"The reason freezing rain is so problematic is because ice has very little friction and renders the traction you need between the road and your tires ineffective. Your brakes may stop your wheels, but your car's still going to slide across the ice. Four-wheel drive or not, the car will not stop," he said.

The weather did disrupt the morning commute, slowed foot traffic and closed schools.

If you were among the many to stay inside, here are photos from the freezing rain: