Some slick spots, but roads mostly clear, Wake, Durham schools operate on 2-hour delays
Roads across the Triangle and even to the north are relatively clear of slick spots on Tuesday morning after a light snow fell Monday.
Posted — UpdatedThe sun emerged Monday afternoon after the snow, giving wet and slushy roads north of the Triangle some opportunity to dry. Even in Durham, where snow fell longer than it did in Raleigh, icy spots were mainly contained to the sides of the roads, WRAL reporter Nia Harden reported.
As a precaution, Wake and Durham school districts will operate on a two-hour delay. In Orange County, schools will be closed for a second day.
Conditions could get more treacherous north of the Triangle, where a light dusting of snow covered the ground on Monday morning. WRAL Brian Shrader advised drivers in Person, Vance, Henderson and Granville counties to be extra careful for slick spots.
Although temperatures remain frigid at 8 a.m., the sun will come out Tuesday, and road conditions should be more safe by late morning.
Overnight and into Tuesday morning, temperatures fell below freezing for more than 12 hours, so any lingering moisture on area roads will become ice. The icy spots are highly dangerous and can cause drivers to skid and spin off roads.
Bridges, overpasses and secondary roads are among the most likely trouble spots. Drivers should also be cautious in shaded areas where ice may not be visible.
- Avoid using the brakes if possible.
- Wait for car to slow down enough to regain traction before gently accelerating.
- For rear-wheel skids, turn steering wheel in the direction the rear wheels are heading. Drivers should focus on getting out of the skid instead of where vehicle might be headed.
- For front-wheel skids, shift into neutral and don't try to steer immediately. When vehicle slows down, steer in the direction you want to go, then put vehicle into gear and gently accelerate.
- If you start to slide, take foot of the gas and turn steering wheel in direction of the slide.
In a press release, Wake County officials said those with an earlier appointment time should show staff the appointment confirmation email with the date and time of their appointment above the QR code.
"We encourage folks to take it easy if they have to go out early [Tuesday] morning. Definitely give our crews space to work," said NCDOT spokesman Marty Homan.
Homan said the best bet is to wait since the ice threat is expected to be over by 10 a.m.
"We want people to not travel if they can until temperatures get to the point where the ice won't be a problem," said Homan.
NCDOT said drivers should go slow and leave plenty of space between cars if travel is necessary during the threat of icy roads.
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