Black ice is the bigger risk with NC snow storm, forecasters warn. Here’s what to know

Don’t expect blizzard-like conditions that bury roads in inches of snow. And forecasters say we’re not in for an ice storm that brings North Carolina traffic to a standstill.

But as much of the state gears up for its first taste of winter weather Thursday, a quieter danger looms: black ice.

Forecasters say rain, snow and plummeting temperatures will likely cause nasty slick spots to form on roads and bridges starting Thursday night.

“The bigger concern in terms of impact will actually be after the precip ends late tonight and early Friday, when temps are expected to bottom out in the lower to mid-20s across much of the area,” the National Weather Service said. “This will certainly produce some black ice problems, even in areas that do not receive much snow today.”

State emergency management officials urged drivers to stay off the roads, citing the possibility of black ice Friday morning.

What is black ice?

Wet surfaces from snow or rain will freeze when temperatures fall, causing ice to form, The Weather Channel reported. Black ice “is a thin coat of highly transparent ice.”

It’s not actually black but clear — enabling it to take on the appearance of the surface it covers, AccuWeather says.

Black ice that accumulates on pavement and asphalt becomes almost impossible to identify, according to the Weather Channel. It’s most often found on bridges, overpasses and shady spots on roadways.

“Bridges and overpasses are prone to black ice because cold air is able to flow underneath the road surface, since it is elevated, therefore lowering the pavement temperature,” the Weather Channel reported. “Shaded spots on the road are prone since they receive less warmth from the sun during the day.”

How to avoid it

The danger of black ice is the inability to notice it until it’s too late, experts say.

When driving after rain or snow, AccuWeather suggests drivers keep a close eye on their vehicle’s thermometer. While not always accurate — they can pick up heat from the engine or lower readings from rain water depending on their location — a reading “close to freezing” indicates drivers “should take extra precaution behind the wheel.”

Being otherwise well informed about “when, where and how black ice forms” is key to avoiding it, according to AccuWeather.

Black ice typically forms overnight when temperatures are at their lowest, the weather forecaster says — making it particularly treacherous for early-morning commuters on the road after sunrise.

Experts also suggest drivers look at the pavement before getting in their cars.

“If the pavement is dry but you are seeing spots of pavement that look dark and glossy, that is probably going to be black ice,” Julie Lee, vice president and national director of AARP Driver Safety, told AccuWeather.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, drivers should also keep an eye on cars in front of them, which can be a good indicator of road conditions up ahead.

“If you are driving and see cars suddenly swerve for no apparent reason, black ice is a likely cause,” the forest service said.

What to do if you find yourself driving on it

Ride it out, experts say.

Unlike driving on snow, tires have no traction on black ice, according to AccuWeather. Drivers would do best “to stay calm and let the vehicle pass over it,” the forecaster said.

The Weather Channel recommends drivers keep their steering wheel straight and take their foot off the gas — but do not break or turn the wheel abruptly.

“Do as little as possible,” the Forest Service said.

According to the agency’s guide to black ice, the back end of a car might slide left or right. Drivers can “gently turn the steering wheel in the same direction” to prevent a crash.

“If you try to struggle against it by steering in the opposite direction, you risk skidding or spinning out,” the guide states.

Patches of black ice typically don’t extend beyond 20 feet, the Forest Service said, but skidding is possible. According to the guide, drivers should pump the breaks gently and keep the steering wheel aimed in the direction you want to go.

“If you end up going off the road, try to steer into things that will cause the minimum amount of damage,” the guide states. “Ideally, steer into an empty field, a yard, or a fluffy snowbank. Of course, you may not have much choice in the matter, but you can at least try.”

Safe-driving tips during inclement weather

Here’s what the Weather Channel suggests:

• Travel slow.

• Don’t tailgate.

• Don’t use windshield wipers to clear snow and ice away. Try an ice scraper instead.

• Keep headlights on.

• Check tire tread.

• Don’t use cruise control.