Atlanta, GA – Freezing rain is expected to bring hazardous driving conditions along I-85 and I-95 through Thursday morning, with ice buildup likely to disrupt travel from Georgia through the Carolinas.
According to the Weather Prediction Center, a winter system will track across the Southeast beginning Tuesday night, producing freezing rain along a broad corridor. I-85 from Atlanta to Durham and I-95 from Savannah through Fayetteville and Rocky Mount are especially vulnerable to slick overpasses, black ice, and delays.
Transportation departments in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina are pre-treating major corridors, but the National Weather Service warns that sustained subfreezing surface temperatures may allow ice to accumulate faster than crews can respond. Cities such as Greenville, Charlotte, and Florence are all expected to see elevated ice risks near morning commute hours on Wednesday.
Drivers should avoid travel during overnight and early morning periods, especially along elevated interchanges. Emergency officials urge residents to prepare for possible power outages and carry blankets, chargers, and emergency supplies if driving is necessary.
Conditions are expected to improve gradually by Thursday afternoon, but spotty ice could linger into the morning hours.
