GREENVILLE, N.C. — The National Weather Service (NWS) Newport/Morehead City has issued a black ice advisory for parts of Eastern North Carolina through 9 a.m. Tuesday, warning drivers to expect slick road conditions overnight as temperatures drop below freezing.
Areas Under the Alert
The advisory, issued at 9:53 p.m. Monday, includes Northern Craven, Martin, Pitt, Washington, Greene, Beaufort, Lenoir, Jones, and Pamlico counties.
Forecasters say leftover moisture from recent rain and snow will refreeze overnight, creating thin, nearly invisible sheets of ice on roadways, bridges, and overpasses.
“Patchy black ice is forecast to develop, especially across bridges and overpasses Tuesday morning,” the NWS said. “Temperatures will rise above freezing around 9 a.m., ending the threat for black ice.”
Hazardous Driving Conditions Expected
The NWS warned that black ice is difficult to see, often appearing as harmless wet spots on the road. Drivers could experience dangerously slick conditions, particularly during the early morning commute.
Motorists are advised to use extra caution, reduce speed, and avoid sudden braking or sharp turns. Officials emphasized that bridges and elevated surfaces will freeze first, even before main roads.
What Drivers Should Do
Safety experts recommend the following precautions during black ice conditions:
- Drive slowly and allow extra stopping distance.
- Avoid cruise control on slick or icy roads.
- Use low-beam headlights and stay alert for changing road textures.
- Leave early to allow additional travel time or delay departures until after sunrise if possible.
When the Threat Ends
Temperatures across Eastern North Carolina are expected to climb above freezing by 9 a.m. Tuesday, gradually melting any remaining ice. Conditions should improve through late morning as sunlight returns and roads begin to dry.
Stay tuned to HonkNews.com for continued weather alerts, traffic updates, and live coverage of winter conditions across Eastern North Carolina.