North Carolina & South Carolina – Hold on tight, Carolinas! Winter’s not holding back, and it’s causing a whole lot of trouble across the region. A powerful winter storm is dumping freezing rain and coating the roads with ice, making for some seriously dangerous travel conditions. Expect this icy mess to last until Thursday morning, so if you plan on being out and about, you’ll need to be extra cautious.
What’s Going On?
A slow-moving system is bringing a mix of freezing rain, sleet, and icy patches to the Carolinas, which means treacherous roads and slick sidewalks. Freezing rain will start tonight and continue through the early hours of Thursday morning. Temperatures will stay low enough for the rain to freeze when it hits, creating a layer of ice on just about everything—from the roads to the sidewalks. Expect significant ice accumulation, especially on bridges, overpasses, and untreated roads.
- Freezing Rain: We’re looking at ice accumulations of up to 0.25 inches, with the most dangerous ice buildup on bridges and untreated surfaces.
- Travel Conditions: Expect icy roads and black ice as a real hazard, especially early Thursday morning.
- Wind Gusts: Wind gusts could make everything worse by blowing ice around, reducing visibility and making the situation even more hazardous.
How This Affects You
- Roads: Prepare for slippery, icy conditions across the Carolinas. Bridges and overpasses will freeze quickly, so they’re going to be extra dangerous. If you absolutely have to be on the road, slow down, give yourself plenty of space between cars, and keep your eyes peeled for icy patches that seem to come out of nowhere.
- Visibility: Freezing rain will create a foggy, misty environment that cuts down visibility. Wind gusts will also blow ice across the roads, so stay alert when driving or even walking outside.
- Pedestrian Safety: Sidewalks and driveways will become icy and hard to navigate. Take it slow, wear shoes with good traction, and watch your step to avoid any slips.
What You Can Do
- Stay off the roads, if possible. If you don’t need to travel, it’s best to stay off the icy roads. But if you must head out, give yourself plenty of time, drive slowly, and make sure you’ve prepared for any delays.
- Prepare for the worst. Always keep an emergency kit in your car, just in case. Include things like blankets, water, non-perishable snacks, and a flashlight to keep you safe if you get stuck or delayed.
- Stay informed. Keep checking the weather and traffic conditions through apps or local news, especially before you leave. Some roads might be blocked or too icy to drive on.
When Will It End?
The freezing rain should wind down by Thursday morning, but roads will remain dangerous for a while. Thursday’s morning commute will still be tricky, so be prepared for slick conditions and the potential of black ice lingering.
This storm may not break records, but it’s still going to make life tough on the roads. The combination of freezing rain, icy roads, and wind will create dangerous travel conditions. If you can stay home, stay warm and wait it out. If you have to head out, drive with caution, watch for ice, and keep an eye on weather updates. Stay safe, Carolinas!
