Local residents are urged to exercise extreme caution on area roads Friday morning, January 24, 2025, as black ice is expected to create hazardous travel conditions for yet another day.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Charleston has issued a special weather statement warning of continued dangerous conditions due to refreezing of melted snow and ice.
Temperatures are predicted to plummet below freezing shortly after nightfall tonight, dropping into the upper teens to low 20s. This rapid temperature drop will lead to the formation of black ice on roadways, making travel particularly treacherous Thursday night and Friday morning.
Temperatures will remain below freezing as citizens head out to work on Friday morning. Fortunately, the forecast is calling for a high of 48 on Friday, which hopefully will melt all of the ice on the roadways.
“This isn’t just a concern for back roads,” warns NWS Charleston meteorologist. “Primary roads, secondary roads, bridges, and overpasses are all susceptible to black ice formation. Drivers need to be extra vigilant, no matter where they are traveling.”
Black ice poses a significant danger because it is nearly invisible, blending seamlessly with the dry road surface. This deceptive nature can easily catch drivers and pedestrians off guard, leading to loss of vehicle control or slips and falls.
The NWS Charleston statement emphasizes the difficulty in spotting black ice: “Black ice is difficult to see and distinguish from dry surfaces. The deceptive nature of black ice can catch you unaware while you are driving or walking, causing you to lose control of your motor vehicle or to slip and fall.”
Authorities are urging drivers to:
- Reduce speed: Drive well below the posted speed limit.
- Increase following distance: Allow significantly more space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
- Avoid sudden braking or steering: These actions can easily cause a vehicle to lose traction on black ice.
- Be especially cautious on bridges and overpasses: These areas tend to freeze faster than other road surfaces.
Pedestrians are also advised to exercise caution:
- Walk slowly and carefully: Take small steps and avoid rushing.
- Wear appropriate footwear: Choose shoes with good traction.
- Be mindful of parking lots and sidewalks: These areas can also be slick with black ice.
Slips and falls are a leading cause of winter weather-related injuries. Residents are encouraged to take all necessary precautions to stay safe. Check back with Grice Connect for updates on road conditions throughout the day.
