Lumberton, North Carolina — A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for portions of southeastern North Carolina, where freezing rain could lead to slick travel conditions during the early hours of Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, a trace of ice accumulation is expected across Robeson, Bladen, and inland Pender counties from 3 a.m. to 11 a.m. EST Thursday. While significant icing is not anticipated, even small amounts of ice can create hazardous conditions on untreated surfaces.
Communities impacted include Lumberton, Elizabethtown, Bladenboro, and Burgaw, along with surrounding rural areas. Travel corridors that may be affected include Interstate 95, Interstate 74, NC Highway 87, NC Highway 41, and portions of U.S. Highway 17 farther east.
Forecasters note that surface temperatures are expected to hover near or below freezing during the advisory period, allowing light rain to freeze on contact. Bridges, overpasses, sidewalks, and secondary roads are most susceptible, especially before sunrise. Conditions may improve later in the morning as temperatures gradually rise.
Although no major impacts are expected, the Thursday morning commute could be affected by isolated slick spots. Drivers are urged to reduce speeds, allow extra stopping distance, and remain alert for icy patches that may be difficult to see.
Pedestrians should also use caution on sidewalks, steps, and parking lots, where a thin glaze of ice can increase the risk of slips and falls. The National Weather Service also advises residents to be prepared for isolated power disruptions, though widespread outages are not expected.
Motorists can check the latest road conditions by calling 511 or visiting DriveNC.gov. Additional updates and any changes to the advisory will be available at weather.gov/ilm.
