Morehead City, NC – Gray clouds stretch over the Carolina coast this morning as steady rain falls across Carteret and Onslow counties. Pavement is slick, and forecasters say that as temperatures tumble tonight, those same wet roads could freeze into black ice, posing a serious hazard for Tuesday morning travel.
According to the National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City, a cold rain will continue through this afternoon before tapering off by evening. Winds from the northeast up to 15 mph, gusting to 25, will help drive colder air inland. Temperatures drop into the low 30s late tonight — cold enough to refreeze standing water on bridges, overpasses, and shaded backroads.
The Hazardous Weather Outlook warns that icy patches may form overnight, particularly on U.S. 70 and local coastal routes. Even light frost accumulation could make early-morning commutes dangerous. Motorists are urged to reduce speed, avoid sudden braking, and check tire pressure and washer fluid before heading out Tuesday.
By Tuesday afternoon, the sun returns and temperatures recover into the upper 40s, followed by a stretch of dry, mild weather through Friday with highs in the mid-50s. Nights will stay chilly, dipping into the low 30s midweek.
Farther north, forecasters continue tracking a larger winter system expected to spread across the Mid-Atlantic and Ohio Valley between December 11–17, bringing snow and much colder air eastward — a reminder that winter’s reach is spreading south.
