St. John, IN – Drivers across Northwest Indiana are being urged to use caution today as dangerously slick black ice may form on area roads, particularly during the morning and evening commute.
According to the St. John Police Department, freezing temperatures are causing snow and slush left on roadways to refreeze overnight, creating black ice — a thin, nearly invisible layer of ice that looks like wet pavement but offers little to no traction.
Police say black ice most commonly forms on bridges, overpasses, and shaded stretches of roadway, where pavement cools faster than surrounding areas. These conditions significantly increase the risk of spin-outs and crashes, especially when drivers are traveling at highway speeds or braking suddenly.
The warning applies to St. John, Lake County, nearby communities across Northwest Indiana, and the greater Chicago metro region, where overnight lows have dipped well below freezing.
Officers are advising motorists to:
- Slow down, especially on bridges and elevated roadways
- Avoid sudden braking or sharp turns
- Stay alert during cold mornings and evenings, when black ice is hardest to see
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also warns that refreezing can occur even after roads appear clear, catching drivers off guard.
Motorists heading out early today or returning home after sunset are encouraged to allow extra travel time and increase following distance. Even treated roads may remain hazardous in isolated spots.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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