JACKSON, N.C. — The National Weather Service (NWS) Wakefield, Virginia, has issued a black ice advisory for Northampton County through 9 a.m. Wednesday, warning drivers and pedestrians of slick road and sidewalk conditions as temperatures fall well below freezing overnight.
Advisory Details
The alert, issued at 5:05 p.m. Tuesday, cautions that wet roads, slush, and leftover snow from earlier precipitation are expected to refreeze overnight, leading to patchy black ice on untreated and shaded surfaces.
“With temperatures again dropping well below freezing tonight into early Wednesday morning, black ice development is likely,” the NWS said. “Roads may therefore become slick and slippery, especially on untreated, secondary, and back roads.”
The weather service added that sidewalks, driveways, and stairs may also become dangerously slick, posing a risk for slips and falls.
Safety Recommendations
Drivers and pedestrians are urged to take precautions overnight and early Wednesday morning:
- Reduce speed and increase following distance when driving.
- Avoid sudden braking or sharp turns on icy surfaces.
- Use extra caution on bridges, overpasses, and shaded roadways — these freeze first.
- When walking outside, take short, careful steps on icy sidewalks and stairs.
Conditions Expected to Improve by Mid-Morning
Forecasters expect temperatures to rise above freezing by late Wednesday morning, which should help melt residual ice and improve road and sidewalk conditions across the county.
The advisory follows a series of recent winter weather alerts across eastern and northeastern North Carolina as cold air lingers behind a departing front.
Residents are urged to stay weather-aware, check for school or travel delays, and monitor updated forecasts overnight.
Stay connected with HonkNews.com for continued weather updates, road condition alerts, and the latest forecasts for Northampton County and surrounding areas.