Burlington, VT – Motorists across Vermont and northern New York should be prepared for slippery early-morning travel as falling temperatures cause wet roads to refreeze and form patchy black ice, according to the National Weather Service in Burlington.
Forecasters issued Special Weather Statements early Saturday warning that roads appearing simply wet may actually be icy, particularly before sunrise. Across Vermont, the advisory covers a wide area from Grand Isle and Franklin counties east through Orleans, Essex, Lamoille, Caledonia and Washington counties, and south into Addison, Rutland, Orange and Windsor counties. Communities including Burlington, St. Albans, Newport, Stowe, Montpelier, Middlebury, Rutland, Springfield and White River Junction may see slick pavement on untreated roads, bridges and shaded surfaces.
A similar setup is unfolding across northern New York, where the Weather Service says wet pavement has begun to freeze as temperatures dip below 32 degrees. Affected counties include St. Lawrence, Franklin, Clinton and Essex, covering towns such as Massena, Malone, Plattsburgh, Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake, Lake Placid, Ticonderoga, Ogdensburg, Potsdam and surrounding communities.
Officials warn that black ice can be difficult to detect, often giving pavement a harmless “wet” appearance. With many rural stretches lacking lighting, drivers and pedestrians may not spot slick areas until too late.
Travelers are urged to reduce speed, allow extra stopping distance and use caution on sidewalks, driveways and parking lots until temperatures rise later this morning. Conditions should gradually improve after sunrise, though shaded areas may remain icy longer.
