Black ice creates hazardous travel conditions across southeastern NC

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Unusually heavy snow from this weekend’s winter storm combined with subfreezing temperatures across southeastern North Carolina is expected to create hazardous black ice conditions over the next several days.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation says crews made significant progress plowing and salting roads Sunday, but clearing snow and ice will take multiple days, especially as temperatures remain below freezing overnight.

Black ice often appears as wet or shiny spots on the roadway and forms when melting snow or ice refreezes into a thin, nearly invisible layer. While NCDOT works to treat areas prone to black ice, officials say changing conditions can make it difficult to predict.

“We ask for your patience as we work to clear roads as quickly as possible,” said Division 3 Engineer Trevor Carroll. “Black ice will be problematic over the next few nights. Please stay home and avoid unnecessary travel.”

NCDOT uses a combination of trucks equipped with plows and spreaders, along with motor graders, to remove snow and ice from roadways. Crews clear state-maintained roads in priority order, starting with interstates and major highways, followed by primary routes and then secondary roads. Priority is based on traffic volume, connectivity and access for emergency services.

NCDOT’s Division 3 covers Brunswick, Duplin, New Hanover, Onslow, Pender and Sampson counties.

Drivers are urged to stay off the roads if possible and to check DriveNC.gov for current road conditions and travel information.