Greenville, South Carolina – Patchy black ice and dense fog are creating hazardous travel conditions across parts of the North Carolina mountains early Wednesday, increasing the risk of slick roads and sharply reduced visibility during the morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg, some locations with wet roadways experienced refreezing overnight as temperatures fell below freezing. This has resulted in isolated patches of black ice, especially in rural areas, on bridges, overpasses, and untreated roadways, and along secondary mountain routes near Banner Elk, Newland, Jonas Ridge, and surrounding communities.
The Special Weather Statement covers Avery, Alexander, Caldwell, Burke, McDowell, and Rutherford counties, including cities such as Granite Falls, Morganton, Valdese, Lenoir, and Bethlehem.
In addition to icy surfaces, patchy dense fog is reducing visibility across portions of Avery County, particularly at elevations above 3,500 feet. The National Weather Service warned that drivers may encounter sudden drops in visibility, with some areas seeing visibility fall to around one mile or less during the early morning hours.
Motorists are urged to use extra caution while traveling, especially on mountain roads, curves, and shaded stretches that may remain icy longer. Drivers should reduce speed, increase following distance, and stay alert for changing conditions. Pedestrians should also use caution on sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots, where icy patches may be difficult to see.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve later Wednesday morning as temperatures rise, but hazardous travel may persist through the early commute period. The National Weather Service advises checking local road conditions before traveling and allowing extra time for morning trips, particularly for commuters and students in higher elevations.
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