>Short answer: Yes — overhead (catenary/contact) wires can ice up in sub‑zero conditions, and that ice can disrupt current collection.

<Why it happens (concise)

>Moisture (fog, freezing rain, wet snow, hoar frost) deposits on the wire and freezes, forming an insulating layer.
>Ice on the contact wire prevents consistent physical contact between the pantograph carbon strip and the live conductor, causing loss of electrical contact and arcing.
>Accumulated ice can also form lumps that damage the pantograph or the wire geometry.

<Operational effects

>Intermittent or lost power to trains, arcing, blown fuses/trips, higher wear on pantograph carbon strips, and sometimes stranded or reduced‑speed services.
>In severe cases equipment trips or insulation damage can occur.

<Typical mitigations

>Running “icebreaker” or empty “ghost” trains with poorly paid train conductors to mechanically clear ice.
>Special ice‑scraping or vibrating pantograph attachments.