Wet Snow and Falling Temperatures Raised Black Ice Risk Across Piedmont Triad

Rain transitioned to wet snow Monday morning for much of the Piedmont Triad. The snow has come to an end, but wet roads and continued cold weather can create treacherous travel conditions. With roads still wet, black ice may develop.

Guilford County experienced the same pattern, with precipitation overnight followed by a sharp temperature drop into the low 20s as drier air moved behind an Arctic cold front. The sudden change increased the potential for roads to refreeze where water remained on pavement or where snow had briefly accumulated. A Winter Weather Advisory covered the period of highest risk and alerted residents to elevated hazards on secondary and shaded roadways.

Local commuters faced the greatest exposure during overnight and early morning hours, when surface temperatures fell below freezing and routine travel resumed. Roadways that appeared wet were particularly at risk of developing thin, hard to detect ice. Watch for dark or shiny spots on roadways. They will most likely occur in areas where snow covered the ground on Monday. If a road appears wet, it may be icy.

The conditions carry implications for county operations and public safety. The increased likelihood of slick surfaces places pressure on road maintenance departments to prioritize treatments on bridges, overpasses, and high traffic corridors, and it demands coordination with law enforcement and emergency medical services to manage crashes and stranded vehicles. For residents, the combination of wet pavement and low temperatures means slowing speed, increasing following distance, and allowing extra time for travel.

Officials and agencies have longstanding protocols for winter weather response, but this event underscores the need for clear, timely communication to commuters about changing conditions. Drivers in Guilford County should monitor local alerts and allow additional travel time when temperatures drop after precipitation.