Temperatures head above freezing, warm up on the way | Live Updates

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued two alerts related to the arctic blast, snow and icy roads.

A Winter Weather Advisory issued in central North Carolina went into effect at 6 p.m. Wednesday due to ice on the roads. It is set to expire at 9 a.m. Thursday morning.

A Cold Weather Advisory goes into effect at midnight because of the single-digit temps.

Wednesday night may be the coldest night of the winter. We continue to forecast a low of 13 at RDU, with many outlying areas expected in the single digits amid mainly clear skies, light winds and even a snow cover, according to ABC11 Chief Meteorologist, Don Schwenneker.

There is light at the end of the tunnel! Temperatures could reach back into the 50s on Sunday for the first time in a week

With temperatures hovering at freezing on Wednesday and a Winter Weather Advisory and a Cold Weather Advisory in effect tonight schools are making the call for Thursday. Any snow that melted Wednesday will create dangerous black ice tonight and Thursday morning.

This has led some schools to be closed or classes will be remote.

• The Wake County Public School System said all classes are canceled for students.

• Durham Public Schools: Closed Thursday

• Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools: Thursday will be a remote learning day.

Check full list here

A car slid off the road Wednesday and landed in an embankment along a creek in Fuquay-Varina.

It happened on Banks Road right near Bank Haven Court.

According to authorities, the driver was able to crawl out of the vehicle. They sustained no injuries.

NCDOT urges people to stay off the roads if possible. Here are some safety tips when driving in winter weather:

• Use windshield wipers and turn on the low-beam headlights
• Check your tire pressure and battery power because the colder temperatures cause the pressure and power to drop
• Defrost windows
• Reduce speed and increase following distance to allow more time to stop
• If you start to slide, take your foot off the gas and do not slam on the brakes. Steer in the direction of the skid
• Watch for shady spots, bridges and overpasses because they will be the first to freeze as the temperatures drop
• When starting or stopping on snowy or icy roads, increase or decrease your speed slowly. This will help tires keep traction with the road.
• Do not use cruise control.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full at all times to prevent moisture from freezing the lines
• Carry a stocked emergency kit

Over the last 24 hours, the snowfall amounts varied across central North Carolina, with areas closer to the coast receiving the most inches.