Morehead City, North Carolina – A light but impactful winter weather event is expected to affect eastern North Carolina overnight, with icy road conditions likely for the Thursday morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City, light to moderate rain will continue through the day, with patchy fog possible where snow remains on the ground. Conditions will change late tonight as temperatures fall, allowing rain to transition to a wintry mix, with freezing rain the most likely precipitation type.
Forecasters say ice accumulations will be light, generally less than one-tenth of an inch, but even a thin glaze can create hazardous travel. The highest risk period begins after 10 p.m. tonight and continues through Thursday morning, when any wet or slushy surfaces are expected to refreeze as temperatures drop below freezing.
A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for much of eastern North Carolina, including areas north of U.S. Highway 64, where a very small amount of snow is also possible. Most locations south of Highway 64 are not expected to see snow, but freezing rain remains a concern.
Roadways likely to be impacted include U.S. Highway 70, U.S. Highway 17, U.S. Highway 64, NC Highway 24, and NC Highway 11, affecting travel through Morehead City, New Bern, Jacksonville, Greenville, Kinston, and surrounding communities. Bridges, overpasses, and elevated road surfaces will be especially prone to icing.
The National Weather Service cautions that impacts may appear minor but can develop quickly overnight, catching early-morning drivers off guard. Motorists are urged to slow down, increase following distance, and allow extra travel time Thursday morning.
Students, commuters, and shift workers traveling along US-70 and US-17 should monitor local updates and be prepared for slick conditions during the early commute.
