Black ice a threat for Monday morning

While most major routes were passable and some were plowed, secondary roads were covered with slush. Lingering moisture on the roadways was expected to freeze overnight, creating black ice by morning.

“While roads look clear, no driver can see black ice so it’s best to stay indoors,” warned Steve Brown, director of public works for the Town of Cary.

“We know many people are traveling for the holidays and we want everyone to be extremely cautious,” said Doug Hoell, state emergency management director. “Anyone who is thinking of driving during the next few days, should pay careful attention to the weather and traffic forecasts before heading out.”

Susan Moran, a Cary spokeswoman, urged drivers to stay home if possible to give crews time to completely clear local roads.

State and municipal crews were plowing and spreading ice melt through the night Sunday.

At Raleigh-Durham International Airport, some travelers may wait until Tuesday to get out, spokesman Andrew Sawyer.

All runways were open, and individual airlines were making decisions about flights.

Temperatures will dip into the low 20s Sunday night and only rebound to the freezing mark by Monday afternoon. Winds up to 30 mph will make Monday feel bitterly cold, WRAL meteorologist Kim Deaner said.

Wake County declared a state of emergency, putting mayors of Raleigh, Morrisville, Apex and Rolesville on alert and requiring that the county staff an emergency operation center through the night. County offices and libraries are closed Monday in observance of Christmas.

Durham County canceled roadside recycling collection scheduled for Monday. County offices were already scheduled to be closed in observance of Christmas.