New Bern, NC – Sub-freezing temperatures gripped eastern North Carolina before sunrise Sunday, creating slick spots on bridges and rural roads just as early traffic ramps up.
According to the National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City, many inland communities dropped into the 20s, including 25°F in Kenansville, 28°F in Kinston and 29°F in Greenville, while coastal areas hovered closer to freezing with 31°F in Morehead City and 32°F near Cedar Island. The coldest readings settled inland before 7 a.m., raising the risk of patchy black ice on elevated surfaces like US-17 and NC-11.
Drivers in Pitt, Craven and Onslow counties may encounter frost-coated roads through the early morning commute. In New Bern, temperatures fell to 34°F, while Jacksonville reached 32°F, cold enough for thin ice on untreated bridges. Along the Outer Banks, Kill Devil Hills dipped to 26°F, with Frisco staying milder at 41°F.
Residents should allow extra travel time, avoid sudden braking and check on pets and outdoor pipes. While temperatures will rebound this afternoon, another chilly night is expected, though not as cold as Sunday morning. Additional updates may follow if freezing conditions redevelop overnight.
