Memphis, Tennessee — Residents across the Mid-South are urged to remain extremely cautious over the next several days as melting snow and ice refreeze overnight, creating dangerous slick conditions on roads, sidewalks, parking lots, and driveways.
According to the National Weather Service in Memphis, rainfall on Tuesday helped reduce some of the existing snowpack. However, the melting process has left behind thin layers of water that are expected to refreeze each night as temperatures drop below freezing. This cycle significantly increases the risk of black ice, which can be difficult to see but extremely hazardous.
The highest risk areas include parking lots, untreated sidewalks, bridges, overpasses, and shaded roadways, especially during the overnight and early morning hours. Even locations that appear wet during the afternoon may become icy again after sunset.
Officials emphasize that serious injuries are possible if proper precautions are not taken. Pedestrians are encouraged to walk only on treated or non-icy surfaces when possible, wear winter footwear with rubber or traction soles, and take slow, short steps to reduce the risk of slipping. Residents should also salt walkways and turn off outdoor sprinklers ahead of overnight freezes to prevent additional ice buildup.
Drivers should allow extra travel time, reduce speeds, and remain alert for unexpected slick spots, particularly during the morning commute when refreezing is most widespread. Even brief exposure to freezing temperatures can turn melted snow into ice.
This pattern of daytime melting followed by nighttime refreezing is expected to continue for the next couple of days. Residents are advised to stay informed through weather.gov/memphis and local alerts as conditions evolve.
