Alright, North Carolina—if you’re heading out early Wednesday, watch your step and take it slow! A chilly rain is falling across the state, and in some spots, a thin glaze of ice could form on bridges, overpasses, and sidewalks before temperatures warm up. While this isn’t a big winter storm, it’s still enough to make your morning drive a little tricky.
Here’s what you need to know before stepping out the door.
🌧️ What’s Going On?
A cold front is moving through, bringing steady rain and drizzle overnight into early Wednesday. In most areas, it’ll just be a cold, miserable rain—the kind that soaks your coat and makes you question all your life choices. But for some, especially in higher elevations and rural areas, temps could drop just low enough for a thin layer of ice to develop on bridges, handrails, sidewalks, and untreated roads.
The National Weather Service has issued a weather alert until 10 AM Wednesday, warning that some areas could get slick before the morning warm-up.
🕒 What to Expect:
🌙 Overnight Tuesday:
- Rain continues falling across most of the state.
- Western NC and higher elevations could see temperatures drop close to freezing, meaning a light glaze of ice could form on some surfaces.
🌅 Early Wednesday Morning (6 AM – 10 AM):
- Lingering drizzle and cold temps could make for slick bridges, sidewalks, and driveways in spots.
- Commuters should be extra careful, especially in areas where temps stay just around 32°F.
☀️ Late Wednesday Morning & Afternoon:
- Temperatures will rise, and any ice should melt quickly.
- It’ll stay cloudy and chilly, with highs in the upper 30s to low 40s°F—so don’t expect a warm-up anytime soon.
❄️ Who Should Be Extra Careful?
- Western NC (Boone, Asheville, Hickory): If you live in the mountains, you already know the deal—colder temps mean a higher risk of ice early in the morning.
- Piedmont & Central NC (Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Durham): Some spots may dip to freezing just long enough to cause icy patches on bridges and overpasses.
- Rural & Low-Traffic Areas: Backroads and shady areas tend to freeze first and thaw last, so be extra cautious.
⚠️ Potential Hazards:
- Black ice on bridges and overpasses – The spots that freeze first and catch drivers off guard.
- Slippery sidewalks and driveways – Just enough ice to make you regret rushing out the door.
- Foggy, misty conditions – Visibility could be low in some areas, making the drive to work even more annoying.
🚗 Driving Tips:
✔️ Slow down and give yourself extra time—better safe than sliding into a ditch.
✔️ Watch for black ice, especially on bridges, ramps, and shaded roads.
✔️ Use your headlights, even in light drizzle, to help others see you.
✔️ Don’t slam your brakes if you hit ice—ease off the gas and steer smoothly.
🌤️ When Will Things Get Better?
By late morning, temps should warm up just enough to melt any lingering ice. But don’t expect a big warm-up—highs will only reach the upper 30s and low 40s°F, keeping things damp and chilly.
This isn’t a major winter storm, but it’s one of those sneaky situations where you wake up, think it’s just rain, and then suddenly realize the roads are slick. If you’re heading out early, be careful, take it slow, and watch for black ice.
