Black ice expected to redevelop

CAROLINA — According to the National Weather Service, patchy black ice is expected to redevelop across much of the western Carolinas and northeast Georgia tonight through Friday morning.

Temperatures rising above the freezing mark in many locations this afternoon has permitted some melting of the recent snowfall. However, this liquid will likely refreeze quickly this evening as temperatures fall below the freezing mark once again. Subfreezing temperatures, and associated black ice, will likely persist through most of the morning hours on Friday.

Bitterly cold temperatures have allowed the snow that fell Tuesday night and Wednesday morning to compact into ice across many roadways in the area. Despite ample sunshine Wednesday, temperatures did not rise above freezing in most areas and shady and sheltered areas continue to see areas of packed snow and ice on roadways. Roads in direct sunlight today will continue to experience melting and with temperatures expected to reach above freezing for a few hours this afternoon, even areas that are shaded will see some melting. However not all of the snow and ice will melt today in the shaded and sheltered areas, expect this to refreeze again tonight.

Use extra caution if driving tonight through Friday morning. Allow extra travel time to reach your destination and be on the lookout for patches of black ice.