Wilmington, North Carolina – Drivers across portions of southeastern North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina could encounter slick and hazardous roads tonight as freezing rain continues to fall, creating a light but dangerous glaze on untreated surfaces.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 1 a.m. Monday for Bladen and Columbus counties in North Carolina and Florence, Marion, and northern Horry counties in South Carolina. Light freezing rain is producing additional ice accumulation, particularly in areas where surface temperatures remain below freezing.
The impacts are expected to be highly localized but significant. In North Carolina, communities including Elizabethtown, Whiteville, Chadbourn, Bladenboro, Lake Waccamaw, and Tabor City may see slick conditions on bridges, overpasses, and secondary roads. In South Carolina, Florence, Marion, Mullins, Aynor, Green Sea, and Loris are also at risk for icy travel during the late evening and overnight hours.
Transportation officials warn that even a thin glaze of ice can sharply reduce traction, especially on elevated roadways. Drivers are urged to slow down, increase following distance, and avoid unnecessary travel until temperatures rise above freezing. Emergency managers also recommend checking local road conditions through state 511 services before heading out.
The freezing rain threat is expected to taper off after midnight as temperatures gradually improve. The Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until early Monday morning, and additional updates may be issued if icy conditions persist.
