RALEIGH, N.C. — A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect through noon Tuesday for portions of Central and Eastern North Carolina, as plunging overnight temperatures have caused wet roads to refreeze, creating dangerous black ice and slick travel conditions, according to the National Weather Service.
Black Ice Creating Hazardous Morning Commute
Following Monday’s mix of rain and snow, road surfaces across the region froze overnight, leaving behind patchy black ice that is difficult for drivers to see. Temperatures early Tuesday morning dropped into the teens and low 20s, freezing moisture on bridges, overpasses, and secondary roads.
“Evening temps fell hard, which allowed wet roads and lingering moisture to quickly freeze,” forecasters said. “This has resulted in potentially slippery conditions and black ice for the Tuesday morning commute.”
Authorities are urging motorists to slow down, increase following distance, and avoid sudden braking or lane changes on untreated surfaces.
Warming Trend to Improve Conditions by Midday
Temperatures are expected to rise above freezing by late morning, reaching highs in the low 40s, which should help melt remaining ice and improve driving conditions by midday.
However, forecasters warn that another refreeze is possible Tuesday night into Wednesday morning as temperatures drop back into the 20s.
More Weather Changes Ahead
By Wednesday afternoon, conditions will become breezy, with gusts up to 30 mph as a deep low-pressure system passes to the north. Another cold front is expected to move in by the weekend, bringing highs in the upper 30s to low 40s and wind chills in the teens Sunday morning.
“This second round of winter weather comes just days after last week’s wintry mix north of I-85, which led to multiple school closures,” meteorologists noted.
Who Saw Snow
Rain on Monday transitioned to light snow for communities along and north of Highway 64, including parts of Durham and northern Wake County, though accumulations were minimal. Areas farther south experienced mostly rain with brief snow flurries before the system exited.
Municipal crews, including those in Cary and Durham, pre-treated major routes in anticipation of overnight refreezing and are monitoring for additional icy patches.
Staying Prepared
Drivers are urged to use caution on bridges and shaded areas and to check for school closings or delays before heading out. Residents should also plan for continued cold, with another shot of Arctic air expected this weekend.
Stay connected with HonkNews.com for ongoing weather alerts, travel updates, and forecasts as North Carolina continues to experience early-season winter conditions.